A Japanese company hired 11 full-time office cats to reduce workplace stress, and it’s working. Tokyo-based Qnote Inc. first adopted a cat in 2004 and has since grown its feline staff to 11 permanent office residents. Employees say the cats boost morale, encourage short breaks, and create a much more relaxed and pleasant work environment. Each cat even has an official job title, such as “office clerk,” “manager,” or “auditor”, making them fully integrated into the company culture. The company loves cats so much that “cat lover” is now listed as a requirement for human job applicants. To accommodate its furry employees, Qnote renovated the office with 12 cat toilets, climbing shelves, and scratch-resistant walls, allowing the cats to roam freely without causing damage. The result? Lower stress levels and stronger team bonding among staff. A purr-fect workplace solution.

Jane Goodall had a remarkable ability to inspire us to connect with the natural wonders of our world, and her groundbreaking work on primates and the importance of conservation opened doors for generations of women in science. Michelle and I are thinking of all those who loved and admired her.