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Japanese companies hire 'Weeping Boys' to help comfort employees (Times of India)

24 November 2023

Japanese companies are offering a unique service by employing attractive individuals, known as "weeping boys," to comfort and wipe away the tears of employees, reports the Times of India. When traditional perks such as free Netflix subscriptions or movie rentals failed to uplift their workforce, companies turned to a more personal approach. In Japan, there are businesses specifically hiring professional ‘weeping men’ to assist those who are grieving. Some individuals pursue this as a part-time job, while others commit to it full-time. This concept emerged as companies strive to provide maximum comfort to ensure their employees perform at their best.

The process is straightforward. The ‘weeping boys’ attempt to make employees cry, using tissues to wipe away their tears and provide consolation. The founder of crying workshops in Tokyo, Hiroki Tekai, believes that crying is a cathartic exercise, that relieves stress and tension. This emotional release is thought to lead to improved work performance, as pent-up emotions can hinder employees from working to their full potential.

While Japanese people are often reserved in expressing grief or sadness, Tekai's study suggests that crying in front of others can positively impact the work environment. Tekai explains, "Once you cry in front of others, the environment will change, particularly in a business setting."