#Japan #Tokyo #Sekisui House #ShapeWin #IKUKYU

Shapewin's Continued Commitment to Gender Equality in Parenting

Shapewin Co., Ltd., based in Shibuya, Tokyo, and specializing in PR and digital marketing, has announced its ongoing support for the "IKUKYU Project" led by Sekisui House. This initiative aims to foster a culture where both genders can balance work and family life, promoting paternity leave as a norm in Japan.

A Step Towards Gender Equality in Parenting

With a vision to create a society where everyone can choose their working style according to their family and life stages, Shapewin is keen on promoting a culture where work-life balance is a standard fixture.

Recent statistics from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare reveal that the percentage of men taking paternity leave surpassed 30% for the first time in 2023. This increase can be attributed to widespread efforts by companies to support such leaves. However, psychological barriers such as job insecurities and workplace stigma still remain, emphasizing the need for a cultural transformation within organizations.

Shapewin recognizes that societal perceptions of gender roles continue to impact men’s willingness to take paternity leave. The challenge lies in nurturing a cultural environment where men actively participate in parenting. Shapewin not only encourages taking parental leave but also focuses on creating systems that allow employees to continue their unique career paths post-leave.

Understanding the IKUKYU PJP

The IKUKYU Project was initiated by Sekisui House in 2019, marking September 19 as "Paternity Leave Awareness Day." The project's efforts include campaigns to make it easier for men to take paternity leave, reaching a record 154 participating companies and organizations last year. They utilized real-life experiences to create online videos and social media campaigns that highlight the significance of paternity leave. More information can be found on their official site.

Shapewin's Employee-Friendly Practices

At Shapewin, employee feedback has been instrumental in developing flexible work policies that accommodate life events. Key initiatives include:

• - Short-Time Permanent Employee System (No Age Restriction): This program enables individuals to continue their careers without being bound by time constraints, adapting to their life's circumstances.
• - Full Flexibility and Remote Work for All Employees: Designed to allow employees, whether full-time or part-time, to pursue their outcomes without being limited by time or location.
• - Mid-Shift Options: This enables parents to address their children's needs, such as transportation or school events, while still managing work responsibilities flexibly.
• - Performance-Based Evaluation System: Rather than evaluating based on hours worked, employees are assessed on their contributions and attitude, cultivating a results-oriented workplace.

These initiatives are continually refined based on employee feedback, with half of the workforce successfully balancing parenting and professional duties. Shapewin remains committed to supporting the pursuit of parental leave alongside nurturing career development for those balancing work and family.

About Shapewin Co., Ltd.

Founded in April 2011, Shapewin offers comprehensive communication strategies including media exposure, social media, and SEO. The company has an impressive track record, assisting domestic startups in reaching public offerings and supporting North American unicorn companies entering the Japanese market. They have also established a North American branch to facilitate Japanese companies' market entry initiatives.

Address: 6F Daiichi Yaki Building, 3-6-19 Shibuya, Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
North America Branch: 900-2025 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby, BC, Canada
CEO: Yusuke Kamimura
Website: Shapewin

Awards and Recognition

• - Top Inclusive Company Award at the 5th D&I Award, 2023
• - Flexible Work Category Award at the 10th White Company Award, 2023
• - Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Award at the Telework Top Runner 2023
• - Special Encouragement Award at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s Telework Promotion Company Awards 2022
• - Recognized in the Telework Pioneer Selection 2022 by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
• - Promotion Award at the 3rd Tokyo Telework Award 2022
• - Jury Award at the 4th Woman's Value Award
• - Recognized as a Top Vancouver PR Company, 2023 (Clutch)
• - Outstanding Leadership Award at the Marketing 2.0 Conference 2023 in Las Vegas.