Hino Engineering Implements WHILL Benefits for Employee Wellbeing and Caregiving Support

In a significant move towards enhancing employee welfare, Hino Engineering has officially adopted the WHILL welfare package, aimed at supporting the health of employees and their families while easing the stress of balancing work and caregiving responsibilities. As society faces the challenges of an increasingly aging population, the introduction of this mobility solution plays a critical role in creating a supportive work environment.

Hino Engineering, based in Hachioji, Tokyo, has partnered with WHILL Inc., a company renowned for its innovative mobility devices. The WHILL package allows employees to incorporate WHILL’s advanced mobility aids, which are particularly designed for individuals with mobility challenges, into their daily lives without additional financial burden. This initiative is particularly crucial as the number of people requiring care is projected to rise significantly, with estimates indicating a 21.7% increase in the number of certified care recipients by 2024.

With over 30% of Japan’s population over 65 years old, the realities of caregiving have become a pressing concern. Research shows that more than half of the working population is involved in some form of caregiving while juggling their jobs, which often leads to stress or even resignation. Recognizing this trend, the Japanese government amended the Child Care and Family Care Leave Law that will take effect in April 2025, to facilitate a better work-care balance for all.

At Hino Engineering, efforts are ongoing to provide a flexible work environment conducive to both caregiving and employment. The introduction of WHILL mobility devices not only promotes ease of movement for employees but also illustrates the organization’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. By incorporating these devices into their workplace, Hino Engineering is enhancing its infrastructure to support employees with disabilities or temporary mobility issues, ensuring everyone can work comfortably.

The WHILL Model C2 is a prime example of this innovation, functioning as an electric wheelchair that offers not just practicality but also an enjoyable experience for users needing mobility support. This model is specifically designed to assist individuals who have anxiety about walking, facilitating greater independence in their commuting needs.

The WHILL welfare package aims to create a supportive framework for all employees and their families, alleviating the anxieties associated with caregiving responsibilities by providing an easy-to-use mobility solution that accommodates their needs. As such, it aims to contribute significantly to building a workplace where everyone can work comfortably and productively, regardless of their personal circumstances.

In their commitment to inclusivity, WHILL plans to collaborate further with Hino Engineering, facilitating workshops on caregiving and diversity awareness specifically for Hino employees. These initiatives are designed to promote a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by diverse groups within the workforce and to foster an environment where all employees feel valued and included.

The importance of such measures cannot be overstated, as a recent survey revealed that around 80% of individuals involved in caregiving experience various forms of stress and anxiety. The most common grievances express concerns over personal physical and mental strains caused by caregiving, alongside worries about time constraints and the costs associated with caregiving services.

Hino Engineering is committed to supporting its workforce by providing a framework that encourages not only caregiving but also health maintenance in a long-term perspective. By expanding their employee benefits with WHILL’s mobility solutions, they are paving the way for a more compassionate and understanding corporate culture that accommodates diverse working styles and needs.

As a result, Hino Engineering is not merely reacting to the growing demographics of an aging society but is actively participating in the creation of a well-being-oriented environment that promotes longevity in the workforce and ensures that individuals can thrive both professionally and personally.

By merging technology with empathetic employee care, Hino Engineering and WHILL are setting a precedent for how companies can effectively support their workforce — a model that other organizations may well wish to emulate in this rapidly changing world.