Date: 2 Feb 2024

In a progressive move, Aeon, a major Japanese retailer, has announced a new policy to provide full take-home pay to employees on child care leave until their child reaches the age of one. This initiative, starting in March, will be implemented across approximately 150 companies within the Aeon group.

Aeon’s new system addresses the financial challenges employees face while on child care leave. By offering 100% of the take-home pay, the company aims to ease the economic burden on parents. This policy is particularly significant in encouraging male employees to take child care leave, which currently sees a low participation rate of only 15%.

The move reflects Aeon’s commitment to supporting its employees with families and aligns with broader efforts to promote work-life balance. The decision also resonates with the Japanese government’s push to increase male participation in child-rearing activities.

• Aeon introduces a policy providing full pay for employees on child care leave.
• The policy aims to support parents financially and encourage male participation in child care.
• The initiative aligns with Japan’s broader goals for work-life balance and gender equality in parenting roles.

Aeon’s new child care leave policy marks a significant step in supporting employees with young families, potentially setting a precedent for other corporations in Japan. The initiative could play a crucial role in shifting cultural norms around gender roles in parenting and contribute to a more balanced and inclusive workforce.

Article on Childcare Policy at Workplace