Melon Partners with Poppins to Enhance Employee Well-being through Self-Care Programs

Introduction

In a significant move towards improving the mental and physical health of essential workers in the childcare and nursing fields, Poppins Co., Ltd. has partnered with Melon, an emotional management company, to implement a comprehensive self-care program. This decision aims to create a vibrant and supportive work environment, ensuring that employees can thrive personally and professionally. Beginning in October, special programs targeting female employees experiencing menopause symptoms will be introduced.

Background of the Initiative

Essential workers, while finding great fulfillment in their roles, often face substantial psychological and physical stresses. This concern is a widespread issue within the industry, impacting employee morale and overall service quality. Poppins, headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, operates with the core belief that when employees are engaged and fulfilled, it creates a positive ripple effect for customers. The company has initiated an "Employee First" project focusing on enhancing workplace satisfaction through three pillars: work engagement, growth, and fair treatment. In line with this mission, Poppins has chosen to adopt Melon's self-care program, which aims to address issues related to workplace engagement and overall employee well-being. By leveraging a scientific approach, they expect to support their employees' mental and physical health while continuing to deliver top-quality services.

Program Details

The program includes self-management training for managerial staff and innovative online mindfulness sessions, branded as "MELON Online." Starting in October, it will also introduce specialized initiatives aimed at alleviating menopause symptoms, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. This two-month program will employ expert supervision, focusing on mindfulness practices and self-care education for female employees who either currently face menopause symptoms or wish to prepare for them in the future. Poppins remains dedicated to cultivating a working environment where employees can thrive through continuous improvements and various initiatives.

Employee Feedback

In July, the self-management program targeted managerial staff and emphasized the importance of self-management and mindfulness practices. Here are a few thoughts from participants:

- "Learning that continuing the practices for two months yields better results motivated me to commit to the program."
- "Understanding mindfulness as recognizing my thoughts as observations rather than judgments was enlightening for me."
- "It was refreshing to take a step back from the usual training focused on childcare skills and engage in self-reflection."

About Melon

Melon is a pioneering emotional management company that assists organizations in tackling emotional and mental health challenges. By applying evidence-based mindfulness principles grounded in neuroscience and psychology, Melon offers services to individuals and organizations alike. Among its offerings are programs designed for mental health prevention, enhancing communication skills, and fortifying leadership abilities—delivered through workshops, classes, and online services. Melon is committed to building resilience in individuals, organizations, and society by enhancing self-management skills.

About Poppins Group

Established in 1987, Poppins Group's mission is to uplift working women through high-quality educational and caregiving services. Their diverse offerings include nanny services, sitters, nurseries, and custom VIP care services. The company has continuously adapted to meet the evolving needs of working women.

Poppins Group's Commitment to SDGs

In 2020, Poppins became the first company in Japan to launch an SDGs-centric IPO, listed on the first section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The company strives to contribute to society through its business operations. In particular, Poppins focuses on three action items pertaining to the SDGs: ensuring quality education for all (Goal 4), achieving gender equality (Goal 5), and promoting decent work and economic growth (Goal 8). Poppins engages in hands-on SDGs initiatives through programs in its nannies, nurseries, and schools, as well as through academic research in collaboration with Harvard University's Project Zero, contributing to the theme of SDGs for children.