NEC Facilities Achieves 'Kurumin' Certification for Childcare Support
On April 27, 2026, NEC Facilities, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, proudly announced that it has obtained the esteemed 'Kurumin' certification from the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare. This recognition is granted under the Act on Promotion of the Next-Generation Child-Rearing Support Measures, aimed at companies that actively support employees in balancing their work and family life.
The 'Kurumin' mark symbolizes NEC Facilities' commitment to fostering an environment where employees can handle both parenting and career demands effectively. The company views the support of employees during pregnancy and childcare as a critical part of its corporate philosophy. Consequently, NEC Facilities has implemented continuous development and improvement of various programs and systems that support employees and their families throughout pregnancy and early childcare stages.
Notably, the company has reported an impressive increase in the take-up of paternity leave, with 59% of male employees planning to take leave in the fiscal year 2025, up from 48% the previous year. This dramatic rise is a testament to the hard work and effective measures NEC Facilities has put in place to create a family-friendly workplace.
Main Initiatives for Supporting Work-Life Balance
To ensure holistic support for employees from pregnancy through returning to work after childcare leave, NEC Facilities introduced the 'Baby Smile Package,' effective October 2025. This new system allows both men and women to take parental leave under flexible conditions, making it easier for employees to manage family responsibilities without compromising their careers.
Moreover, the company emphasizes the importance of adaptable working styles during the childcare period. To this end, it promotes initiatives such as super-flexible work arrangements, part-time work options, and remote working solutions, fostering an environment where employees can select the best working conditions that suit their family needs.
To aid in the smooth transition back to work after extended leaves, NEC Facilities has established a follow-up support system that includes post-leave interviews to help employees readjust. This proactive approach is designed to ensure that returning employees feel welcomed and supported as they navigate the balance between their job and familial responsibilities.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Eiji Ozaki, the President and CEO of NEC Facilities, stated, "Our company believes that the foundation of our business growth is the ability to secure talent. This requires creating an environment where each employee can envision a long-term career with confidence. The achievement of the 'Kurumin' certification serves as a motivation for us to further enhance our childcare support systems and operations. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace culture that is accessible and supportive for everyone."
NEC Facilities is committed to regularly reviewing and enhancing its policies to adapt to the diverse life stages of its employees. The goal is to solidify a workplace culture that allows anyone to work safely and embrace challenges, thus driving both human resource and business growth robustly.
In alignment with this mission, NEC Facilities actively seeks to establish an environment conducive to professional development and personal satisfaction. By ensuring that the workplace remains inclusive and supportive of all employees, the company aims to contribute positively to the overall organization and community at large.
For more information on the 'Kurumin' mark and its significance in promoting childcare support within Japanese companies, you can refer to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s official website.