#Japan #SDGs #Sumitomo Forestry #Chiyoda #Family Care Leave

Sumitomo Forestry's Innovative Family Care Leave System

Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd. has announced the establishment of a Family Care Leave System set to launch on January 1, 2026. This initiative aims to support employees who live with family members requiring care, such as children with school absenteeism or social withdrawal, and spouses or children who need continuous assistance due to injuries or illnesses.

Overview of the Family Care Leave System

Under this new program, employees with over three years of service can avail themselves of the leave to care for specific family members:
1. Children suffering from school refusal, social withdrawal, developmental disorders, or those with siblings facing similar challenges.
2. Spouses and underage children who require daily care due to physical or mental disabilities or health issues.

Duration and Frequency

The Family Care Leave can be taken in multiple instances, aggregating up to three years, regardless of the number of family members requiring care. In addition to the leave, employees can benefit from flexible working arrangements, including reduced hours, a three-day work week, and exemption from overtime duties, all accessible for three years separate from the leave duration.

Understanding the Need

Statistics from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology indicate that the number of elementary and junior high school students refusing to attend school is projected to reach approximately 354,000 in fiscal year 2024, demonstrating a concerning upward trend. Additionally, the rise in employees leaving their jobs to care for family members constitutes a significant social challenge.

As a response, Sumitomo Forestry anticipates an increasing number of employees seeking revised work arrangements to accommodate caregiving responsibilities. In alignment with the existing childcare and nursing care policies, the company has expanded its support system to help employees balance work and family care tailored to their specific situations.

A Vision for the Future

In addition to the Family Care Leave System, the Sumitomo Forestry Group is committed to long-term sustainability as outlined in its vision for “Mission TREEING 2030”, which coincides with the 2030 SDGs target year. This extensive vision identifies nine key issues focusing on adding value to the global environment, society, and market economies. Among these, creating a vibrant working environment for employees is prominently featured.

Moving forward, Sumitomo Forestry aims to enhance its systems, allowing each employee to choose a suitable working arrangement. This approach will help ensure that employees can work with peace of mind, facilitating their career development over the long term.

Conclusion

With the establishment of the Family Care Leave System, Sumitomo Forestry reinforces its commitment to employee welfare and adaptability. This initiative not only helps employees manage personal caregiving responsibilities but also contributes to a supportive workplace culture that recognizes diverse needs.