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WHILL Mobility Package: A Step Towards Employee Well-Being at Terada Warehouse

As Japan navigates through an era marked by a rapidly aging population, companies are recognizing the need to adapt their employee welfare strategies. Terada Warehouse Co., based in Shinagawa, Tokyo, recently announced the implementation of the "WHILL Mobility Welfare Package" in collaboration with WHILL Inc., aiming to support not only the well-being of employees but also their families. This initiative focuses on the dual challenges of maintaining health while balancing work and caregiving responsibilities—a task that has become increasingly complex in modern society.

The Aging Population and Its Challenges

Statistics reveal that nearly 30% of Japan's population is over the age of 65, leading to an anticipated surge in the number of individuals requiring care. Projections suggest that by 2024, the number of those certified in need of nursing care will soar by 21.7%, reaching around 7.2 million individuals. As a direct consequence, not only are workers increasingly torn between their jobs and caregiving duties, but many are also exiting the workforce—often due to the overwhelming nature of these responsibilities.

To combat this growing concern, laws such as the revised childcare and caregiving leave law, which takes effect in April 2025, are being put in place to help working individuals manage care commitments alongside their jobs. However, organizations must also assume responsibility for fostering diverse working conditions that not only accommodate caregiving but promote inclusivity and well-being in the workplace.

Terada Warehouse's Commitment to Well-Being

Terada Warehouse has long prioritized the welfare of its employees through various initiatives, such as bolstering maternity and child-rearing benefits, promoting extended leave, and offering health enhancement subsidies. The incorporation of the WHILL Mobility Welfare Package represents a significant enhancement of these efforts, with its framework designed to be more responsive to the varied life stages and events of employees and their families.

The WHILL device, developed based on electric wheelchair standards, serves as a practical mobility aid for individuals with mobility concerns. The WHILL welfare package enables all employees and their families within participating organizations to access WHILL devices either through purchase or rental options, minimizing financial strain while enhancing flexibility in their lifestyle choices. By doing so, it alleviates a variety of concerns that many working individuals have regarding the mobility and care of elderly family members, ultimately fostering a work environment that promotes security and comfort.

Fostering Diversity and Inclusion

In addition to aiding caregivers, the WHILL package encourages companies to consider employees with disabilities and to pursue diverse hiring practices. This inclusive approach contributes to a workplace where all individuals can thrive—regardless of ability, age, or surrounding circumstances.

To ensure that the WHILL package is effectively integrated and utilized within partner organizations, WHILL Inc. is promoting engagement through hands-on experiences, such as trial rides and demonstrations. By allowing employees to interact with the mobility devices, they can create a personal connection to the initiative and appreciate its benefits first-hand. Terada Warehouse plans to leverage these engagement strategies to enhance the understanding and adoption of this system among its staff.

Continuing its collaboration, WHILL Inc. aims to build successful partnerships with various organizations, including Terada Warehouse. This strategy will maintain the health and well-being of employees and their families, facilitating a society where everyone can work and live comfortably, irrespective of their personal circumstances.

Understanding Caregiving Challenges

Research by the Japan Institute of Life Insurance reveals that approximately 75% of the workforce expresses some level of anxiety about the realities of family caregiving. The predominant concern is the physical and emotional burden they may endure as caregivers. Other common apprehensions include time constraints and unclear costs associated with caregiving services. Particularly for those in their 50s, the risk of forced career exit due to caregiving is a looming concern, making it crucial for employers to construct supportive workplace frameworks that prioritize health maintenance and long-term caregiving solutions.

Sources:
1. Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on Elderly Statistics
2. Revision of the Law Against Discrimination
3. Basic Employment Structure Survey
4. Labor Market Survey Overview
5. Life Insurance Culture Center Survey

About WHILL

WHILL is a unique mobility solution that requires no driving license, designed specifically for short-distance travel. Notable models like the C2 boast an exceptional design, the ability to navigate obstacles of 5cm, and smooth rides enabled by rear-wheel suspension. Other models emphasize portability and ease of use in various living environments, enhancing urban mobility opportunities for all.

For further information, visit WHILL's official site.

About Terada Warehouse

Founded in 1950, Terada Warehouse operates on the principle of safeguarding not just items but value itself. It specializes in the meticulous storage of goods ranging from wine and art to multimedia assets, while also engaging in regional branding initiatives that foster community revitalization in Tennozu Isle.

Learn more at Terada Warehouse's official site.