Amidst the looming '2025 caregiving challenge,' Hitachi Solutions, headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, has proactively set forth initiatives to cultivate an environment where business caregivers can work with peace of mind. On November 20, they hosted an all-company event aimed at debating effective ways to balance work and caregiving. This marked the third year of the event, which this year attracted around 500 employees both on-site and online, focusing on the theme of 'Balancing My Work and Caregiving.' As Japan braces for the significant demographic shift where a substantial proportion of the population will become elderly, the need for businesses to support caregivers is becoming increasingly urgent.
According to forecasts, by 2025, one in five people in Japan will be aged 75 or older, leading to a rise in business caregivers. In response, Hitachi Solutions has identified the challenge of balancing work and caregiving as a critical management issue. The company aims to foster a culture where employees can openly discuss caregiving concerns and develop sustainable practices that allow employees to stay engaged in their jobs while managing caregiving duties. The initiatives stemmed from an idea generation session in 2022 aimed at redefining the company’s CSR activities.
This year's event had experts from Internet Infinity Co., who provided insights into caregiving support systems and organizational policies aimed at aiding employee caregivers. The gathering featured a panel discussion where employees shared their personal experiences as business caregivers, exploring practical adjustments to their work habits to balance their professional responsibilities with caregiving duties. Participants expressed that the event inspired them to think about their own strategies for coping with caregiving demands and motivated them to take proactive measures for future caregiving scenarios.
The importance of supporting caregivers is further underscored by representatives from Internet Infinity, who highlighted the emotional and financial strains that sudden caregiving responsibilities can impose. The session emphasized that adequately preparing for caregiving, engaging with professional resources, and maintaining communication with family and colleagues are vital steps for fostering a supportive caregiving environment.
From facilitating communication between employees and caregiving professionals through SMS and online platforms to adjusting work schedules based on caregiving needs, the event shared various real-world examples of workable strategies. Additionally, some shared how openly discussing caregiving during regular team meetings has strengthened their workplace relationships, fostering a culture of empathy among colleagues who may be facing similar challenges.
The response from employees who attended the event was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting that it clarified the steps needed to handle unexpected caregiving responsibilities, reinforced the idea that seeking help early is beneficial, and promoted a sense of community understanding regarding common caregiving struggles.
Looking to the future, Hitachi Solutions remains committed to ensuring that their most valuable asset—their workforce—can continue to work safely and effectively while balancing their caregiving roles. The ongoing project to support caregivers is part of their broader strategy to enhance corporate sustainability and societal transformations, ensuring a future where everyone can thrive.
A significant aspect of these initiatives includes a community called 'Halo-Minn,' which encourages open exchange among employees, HR teams, and management to collaboratively address caregiving challenges. These endeavors reflect Hitachi Solutions’ dedication to not only address the immediate needs of their employees but to contribute positively to the larger societal dialogue on caregiving.
For more information about Hitachi Solutions and their ongoing projects, please visit their
website.