Introducing Mama Square: A New Work-Life Balance for Mothers
Mama Square, a company based in Minato, Tokyo, is pioneering a fresh approach to working mothers' challenges by providing a unique workspace designed for them. They have recently achieved significant recognition at the 5th Japan Service Awards, winning both the Excellence Award and the Special Jury Award for their innovative services. This accolade underlines their commitment to creating environments where mothers can work comfortably while being close to their children.
The Vision Behind Mama Square
Founded with the mission to normalize the ability for mothers to work alongside their children, Mama Square has introduced a concept that allows mothers to engage in their professional activities while being able to monitor their kids in a dedicated kids' space. The transparent glass partitions in the facility ensure that mothers and their children can see each other, providing peace of mind for both parties.
The Unique Workspace Concept
Unlike traditional childcare centers, Mama Square enables mothers to maintain a strong bond with their children during work hours. In these specially designed offices, qualified staff supervise the kids while mothers handle tasks like changing diapers and feeding, thus blending work and parenting seamlessly. The innovative structure paves the way for an alternative to the conventional choice many mothers face between leaving their children in a daycare or remaining at home.
Awards and Recognition
The awards received from the Japan Service Awards are a testament to Mama Square's innovative approach to addressing societal issues surrounding work-life balance. Their efforts contribute to creating job opportunities for women, supporting their return to the workforce, and offering a meaningful solution to Japan’s declining birth rate.
Mama Square’s CEO, Satoshi Fujishiro, expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing their commitment to improving the working environment for mothers, fostering a society where they can securely work near their children.
Key Features and Benefits
1.
New Work Option: Mama Square challenges the conventional work paradigm by presenting a third option for mothers—working alongside their children, thus alleviating stress.
2.
Collaboration Framework: By establishing a supportive ecosystem involving companies, mothers, and locations, Mama Square enhances productivity for businesses while ensuring a safe working environment for mothers.
3.
Empowering Women: Their model aids in addressing the employment gaps often experienced by mothers due to child-rearing, significantly contributing to childcare support and economic independence for women.
Voices from Working Moms
In a recent survey conducted among employees, 90% reported a reduction in worries related to balancing work and childcare since starting at Mama Square. Many respondents highlighted that being able to work near their children greatly eased their mental burden. They appreciate the flexibility of work hours, the supportive environment, and the focus on child welfare. Here are some of the benefits noted:
- - Flexible Work Hours: Many mothers praised the ability to work when it suits them best.
- - Positive Work Environment: The relationships fostered among coworkers provide a sense of community.
This positive feedback underscores the effectiveness of Mama Square's innovative approach in enhancing workplace stability and reducing the stress often associated with juggling work and family life.
Looking Forward
Since its establishment in 2014, Mama Square has held a solid commitment to revolutionizing the way mothers engage in work. The recent awards highlight how their sustained efforts and core beliefs have been acknowledged, fueling their motivation for future initiatives.
With plans to expand their model, Mama Square aims to continue advocating for a work culture that respects both professional obligations and family life, striving to create a society where all mothers can work confidently and comfortably alongside their children.
About the Japan Service Awards
The Japan Service Awards, hosted by the Japan Productivity Center, aims to recognize outstanding services that contribute significantly to Japan's economy and employment landscape.
In the fifth edition of these awards, 768 entries were submitted, and after careful evaluation, 33 services were honored. The awards reflect the critical role of the service industry in driving Japan’s economic growth, showcasing the best practices for enhancing value in service provision.
About Mama Square
Mama Square provides a flexible work environment and career support for mothers, launching its first office in 2015 and expanding to 22 BPO locations nationwide by December 2025. By establishing a working model that integrates childcare seamlessly, Mama Square is paving the way for a new standard in work-life balance.
For more information, visit:
Mama Square.