- 14 Mar 2002
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Lawson is pioneering a new approach to customer service by employing remote workers overseas who operate digital avatars. They will assist customers in multiple Lawson stores in Japan during late-night and early-morning hours. The first avatar, operated by a Japanese resident of Sweden, is scheduled to go live in January.
This initiative, driven by the eight-hour time difference, aims to enhance productivity by leveraging the availability of skilled workers in different time zones. Lawson President Sadanobu Takemasu intends to expand this program to countries with significant time differences, such as Brazil and New York. This is the first time Lawson employs remote workers residing abroad. The avatars will guide customers through self-checkout registers and ensure a seamless and efficient shopping experience during off-peak hours.
Photo credit: Sato Keiichiro
Paywall alert:
This initiative, driven by the eight-hour time difference, aims to enhance productivity by leveraging the availability of skilled workers in different time zones. Lawson President Sadanobu Takemasu intends to expand this program to countries with significant time differences, such as Brazil and New York. This is the first time Lawson employs remote workers residing abroad. The avatars will guide customers through self-checkout registers and ensure a seamless and efficient shopping experience during off-peak hours.
Photo credit: Sato Keiichiro
Paywall alert:
Japan convenience store hires remote worker in Sweden for night shift
Lawson turns to digital avatars as it struggles to staff 24-hour shops