In an initiative to combat feelings of isolation and to decrease the rate of early job turnover, Japanese companies are mandating all first-year employees to live in communal accommodations during their initial year. The strategy not only fosters team bonding, but also helps ameliorate an issue prevalent in many modern workplaces - loneliness. The companies are likely betting on this initiative to not only boost morale but also to improve worker productivity.

Given the prominence of 'karoshi', or death due to overwork in Japan, there is a widespread push to protect the mental health of workers and enhance work-life balance. Housing arrangements where coworkers live together could provide a sense of community and alleviate feelings of loneliness that can occur in a highly diligent work culture.

While in the US or EU, it is more common for employees to maintain their own separate living accommodations, some companies offer communal living spaces, especially for new hires or interns. However, it's rarely a mandate. The focus tends to be on fostering a healthy work-life balance, with more emphasis on flexible working hours and less on communal living.