#Japan #Tokyo #Persol Holdings #Male Parental Leave #Parenting Cookbook

Persol's Innovative Parenting Initiative Through Cooking

In the heart of Tokyo, Persol Holdings, a leading staffing and outsourcing company, has taken a significant step towards promoting active fatherhood with the launch of its "Parenting Dad's Recipe Book." This initiative aligns with their vision of creating a workplace where everyone can thrive and smile while working.

On September 30, 2025, Persol will unveil the much-anticipated cookbook, which compiles recipes and stories shared at the "Parenting Dad's Meal" event held in August 2025. This event brought together 28 participants, including nine fathers, who showcased cooking skills for preparing baby and toddler meals as well as recipes enjoyable for the whole family.

The Cookbook Initiative

The "Parenting Dad's Meal" event is part of Persol's male parental leave promotion activities, organized by its employee community dedicated to this cause. During the event, four fathers represented their peers, cooking various dishes including vibrant pancakes, nutritious okonomiyaki, and a special train-themed rice ball platter. Each recipe in the cookbook comes with personal anecdotes from the dads, showcasing their involvement in family meals.

In addition, the cookbook includes nutritional advice from licensed midwives as part of a collaboration with the Tokyo Midwives Association. This ensures that the recipes are not only easy to follow but also nutritionally balanced, encouraging dads who might feel intimidated by cooking to participate actively.

Breaking Down Barriers

According to a pre-event survey, a considerable number of fathers expressed feeling overwhelmed by cooking responsibilities. However, feedback from mothers highlighted the benefits: fathers cooking led to increased family time, reduced stress, and improved emotional connections during mealtime. This positive engagement illustrates how critical cooking can be in fostering parental involvement and nurturing a supportive home environment.

Persol's commitment to dissolving traditional barriers surrounding gender roles in parenting is evident through this initiative. The company aspires to create a society where shared responsibilities in childcare, such as cooking, are both normalized and encouraged, fostering an inclusive atmosphere where all parents, regardless of gender, can feel empowered to partake in family life.

Ongoing Efforts for Parental Support

Since its formation in December 2023, Persol's male parental leave promotion committee has focused on building a supportive culture for employees considering taking parental leave. Monthly meetings provide a platform for sharing parenting challenges, balancing work-life dynamics, and drawing from each other's experiences, enhancing camaraderie among participants.

Moreover, the initiative has expanded with events like the "Parenting is a Sport! Ikurasiathlon" – a unique challenge integrating activities such as diaper changing and baby-wearing. Goals for these events are centered around shedding guilt associated with taking parental leave and fostering an environment where it feels natural for fathers to step up.

Currently, the uptake rate for male parental leave at Persol stands at an impressive 84.3%, with aspirations to reach 100%. Such proactive measures are crucial for cultivating a nurturing environment where both parents can thrive without stigma or reservations.

About Persol Holdings

Founded in 1973, Persol Holdings has grown into a cornerstone of Japan's staffing and outsourcing sectors, holding a premier position on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under the code 2181. The company's revenue for the fiscal year 2025 is projected at 1.4 trillion JPY. With the goal of creating "Well-being at Work," Persol aims to provide better working opportunities for one million individuals by 2030, ensuring that their services meet the diverse needs of today’s workforce.

Through their varied offerings like Tempstaff, doda, and innovative projects addressing recruitment and casual work needs, Persol is committed to creating a world where every individual can experience joy in their work and personal lives.