Team RoundtableBack Office Edition

What are the duties of the back office?

Tanaka

FLEXSCHE's back office handles everything that would be considered sales administration, accounting, human resources, labor, and general affairs in other companies. Don't you think the scope of work is broad?

Furutani

Engineers develop, sales sell, and customer success supports customers. We, the back office, handle almost all other tasks, so we inevitably take on various duties.

Tanaka

Every day is busy, but that makes it rewarding!

Furutani

That's right! Ms. Tanaka, how do you proceed with your daily schedule?

Tanaka

First, when I arrive at the office, I prioritize preparing the FLEXSCHE Café. I prepare free drinks like coffee and restock snacks. After that, I handle seminar and document request applications, and prioritize external tasks like registering for the user lounge and training. This usually takes up the morning.

Furutani

We want to guide our customers as quickly as possible, don't we?

Tanaka

Exactly. In the afternoon, I work on tasks with deadlines, such as estimates and delivery notes for partners, and use the remaining time for tasks with more flexibility, like restocking supplies and organizing slips.

Furutani

We tend to focus on external tasks, but it's also our important mission to create an environment where all staff can spend their time more comfortably. As part of that effort, we recently started providing snacks at the 'FLEXSCHE Café.' How is it from the provider's perspective?

Tanaka

Originally, everyone bought their own snacks, and seeing that, I thought, "It would be nice to have snacks to nibble on when you get a little hungry during work," so we started it. It's been very well received, and it's rewarding to prepare.

Furutani

Everyone gives feedback like "That was delicious!" and popular snacks disappear in an instant, so it's fun to think about what snacks to prepare next.

Tanaka

Besides the FLEXSCHE Café, we also come up with many plans that lead to communication, like holding lunch meetings every two months or providing slightly better snacks.

Furutani

Exactly. The lunch meetings are also well-received, and some people even say they want more of them.

Tanaka

Is that so! I'm glad to hear that people are enjoying them. We also occasionally plan events, like the cherry blossom viewing on a yakatabune, which was fun.

Furutani

We also have a company trip coming up soon. We want to come up with various outing plans like that.

Tanaka

In general, it seems that people want to avoid socializing with company people, but at FLEXSCHE, I don't hear such voices at all. From young people to veterans, everyone seems to be having a good time, and I think it's a nice atmosphere. I'm glad to be able to help create such enjoyable times.

Furutani

Our department isn't a place that directly earns money, is it? But I believe that the comfort we've worked hard to achieve internally will eventually contribute to the company's performance. There are still many things we can do, and I have many ideas for what I want to do, so I need to think about how to implement them.

Tanaka

We're still in the stage of experimenting with what we can do, so I want to incorporate new things while listening to more voices within the company!

What are the attractions of working at FLEXSCHE?

Furutani

Having actually worked at FLEXSCHE, what do you think are the good points?

Tanaka

Before joining, I thought that since it's a software manufacturer, there might be many introverted people, and it might be difficult to communicate, but I was surprised at how sociable everyone is.

Furutani

Indeed. This is common among both long-time members and new members. I feel that while each person's values and pace are respected, there is an attitude of respecting and accepting each other.

Tanaka

When I joined, I was really happy to be warmly welcomed. Thanks to that, I was able to integrate into the company smoothly. Why is everyone's atmosphere so warm?

Furutani

Having observed the company for many years, I feel that everyone has a sense of ease. They don't schedule things too tightly, so there's time to spare, and because there's no rush, they seem to have mental ease as well. Of course, they pursue work rigorously and take full responsibility for problems, but they're good at switching between on and off, so they don't drag things outside of work hours. I'm impressed by how flexible everyone is.

Tanaka

During new employee training, they also patiently watch over growth. I've never seen a scene where they say, "We need you to grow immediately!" and push hard. That must be a skill that comes from having a sense of ease.

Furutani

Rather than overcoming weaknesses, I feel they first let people demonstrate their strengths. That's why new employees can work freely, and naturally build relationships where they can go out for drinks together after work.

Tanaka

Having a flexible environment is wonderful! It's also gratifying to be properly rewarded for the hard work you put in.

Furutani

The company's policy is to "properly return the company's profits to the staff." With company-sponsored events like social gatherings and employee trips, participation is easy, and there are also year-end bonuses.

Tanaka

The amount of the year-end bonus is determined based on the company's performance and each individual's contribution, so it feels like the hard work is being properly recognized, which boosts daily motivation.

What will the future of FLEXSCHE look like?

Furutani

I believe the first phase of FLEXSCHE was under the previous president, Urano, and the second phase has begun under Mochizuki's leadership. I think the internal and external environment of the company will continue to change, but what do you think the future of FLEXSCHE will be like, Tanaka-san?

Tanaka

Well, I think FLEXSCHE is entering a period of transition. Young members will increasingly take the lead, replacing the veteran members, but it's important to ensure that the assets cultivated by the veteran members are properly inherited. As a member of the back office, I've been guided by Furuta-san so far, but I want to work towards being in a position to protect the company in the future. It's a huge responsibility!

Furutani

We're counting on you! As a veteran, I feel it's my responsibility to pass on all my knowledge and skills to ensure the company continues to deliver great products. I also have a huge responsibility! Currently, the relationship between FLEXSCHE, which creates products, the partners who handle sales and support, and the end-users who use the products is very good. I want to continue to develop ways for the back office to contribute to maintaining and nurturing these relationships.

Tanaka

Recently, we've been focusing on recruitment, and it seems like we'll be getting more new members. From your perspective, Furuta-san, who has been watching over FLEXSCHE for many years, what kind of person do you think would thrive in the back office of FLEXSCHE?

Furutani

As Tanaka-san has also realized, the work in the back office is diverse. There are many tasks that one might be trying for the first time at FLEXSCHE, so those who can keep challenging themselves even if they fail tend to grow quickly. Of course, we welcome those with back office experience or those who have something to "sell" about themselves. It's a workplace where any skill can be utilized, and we support individuals in blooming their charm, so I hope they will take on challenges at FLEXSCHE.

Tanaka

I agree! I also want to work with people who can approach their work with enthusiasm and positivity!