Support for Flexible Work Styles and Continued Employment (Telework)

Our return-to-work rate from maternity and childcare leave is 96% (based on results from 2016 to 2018), and we believe we have a supportive organizational culture and environment for returning to work.
However, our goal is a 100% return-to-work rate.
What is needed to achieve this goal? We investigated the causes.
The reasons for not being able to return to work were broadly categorized into the following two.
1. Relocation due to partner's job transfer, etc.
2. Inability to secure childcare

Therefore, we introduced a 'telework system' in December 2018, allowing employees to freely choose their work location and hours.

Since the introduction of the telework system, individuals who could not secure childcare, relocated due to a partner's transfer, or had to return to their family home for caregiving have been using the system and continuing their employment.

Let me introduce someone who is actually using the telework system.

M.O. (General Affairs and Human Resources Department, joined in 2015)

Q. What prompted you to use telework?
A. After maternity leave, I was considering returning to work full-time, but I couldn't get my child into daycare, and my family home was far away, so I thought I had no choice but to quit. However, when I consulted my supervisor, they suggested telework, considering my desire to spend time with my child. Initially, I was worried about balancing work since it had been a while, but thanks to my supervisor and colleagues, I was able to catch up quickly, and my worries soon disappeared.

Q. What are the benefits of working via telework?
A. It's being able to always be with my child while working. For someone like me who wants to give my all to both work and childcare, it's the ultimate happiness. Also, being able to manage my own time allows me to handle work, childcare, and housework with ease. Additionally, eliminating commuting time and being able to work anytime, anywhere is a benefit. There was a time when I had to return to my family home suddenly, but I was able to work from there, which was very convenient.

Q. How is your work productivity compared to when you worked in the office and now with telework?
A. I think productivity has increased. Since the time I can work is limited, such as when my child is napping, my concentration has improved, and I can work more systematically. I'm always thinking, 'What if my child doesn't nap tomorrow?' so I try to complete my work ahead of deadlines.

Q. Please tell us about your future work style.
A. In the future, I plan to increase my telework hours as my child grows and consider returning to work with shorter hours. Ultimately, I want to return as a full-time regular employee. I am very grateful to be able to work in a way that suits my lifestyle.