#Japan #Tokyo #Parenting Support #GeoTechnologies #Kurumin

GeoTechnologies Achieves Kurumin Certification for Parenting Support

GeoTechnologies Inc., located in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo and led by CEO Yoichiro Yatsuraki, has recently received the Kurumin certification from the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare. This recognition highlights the company’s commitment to creating an environment that supports employees to balance work and parenting.

The Kurumin certification is granted under the Next Generation Law, which evaluates businesses on their initiatives to foster work-life balance for employees with children. Companies that meet specific standards set by their action plans and successfully achieve designated targets are designated as “child-rearing support enterprises.” GeoTechnologies has implemented a variety of unique support systems to help employees manage both their professional and family responsibilities.

One of the standout initiatives is the “Welcome Baby Weeks” program, which allows a portion of parental leave to be taken as paid leave. As a result of this initiative, the uptake of parental leave among female employees has reached 100% and male employees 45% by March 2024, significantly exceeding the Kurumin certification standards (75% for females and 10% for males). By December 2025, the goal is to have both male and female participation at 100%.

In addition to the parental leave programs, GeoTechnologies has introduced several workplace policies to enhance balance between work and child-rearing. These include:
Shorter working hours for parents with children until they finish 6th grade.
Paid leave to attend significant school events such as entrance ceremonies and parent-teacher meetings, known as “Growth Not Missed Leave.”
“Family Care Leave” that allows paid time off for caring for young children or family members when needed.
Special paid leave that allows employees to accumulate unused paid leave for childcare or family care.
Maternity leave for prenatal visits or when feeling unwell during pregnancy.
Five days of paid leave for spouses around childbirth.
* “Anytime My Leave,” which allows five days of leave for any reason.

Voices from Male Employees Utilizing the Support Systems

A male employee, currently on a two-month parental leave for his newborn son, shared his experience. Before the birth, he researched the parental leave and company policies and consulted with colleagues to prepare. His team members provided flexible support in his absence, allowing him to enter parental leave with peace of mind. He utilized government benefits along with company programs like “Welcome Baby Weeks” and “Special Paid Leave,” which alleviated his financial concerns and enabled him to focus on parenting. Upon returning, he plans to continue working primarily remotely to maintain the balance between work and family.

Mapping Workshop for Employees' Children

GeoTechnologies also organizes mapping workshops aimed at children of their employees. As part of their commitment to parenting support and enhancing parent-child communication, the company hosts events where children can learn about map creation. These workshops help children to understand the company their parents work for and allow them to experience how digital maps, increasingly prominent in school tablet learning, are made.

Future Initiatives

GeoTechnologies firmly believes that its greatest asset lies in its human resources. The acquisition of the Kurumin certification serves as motivation for the company to continue enhancing support for work-life balance while fostering a workplace culture that respects diverse backgrounds and encourages growth and satisfaction among all employees.

About GeoTechnologies Inc.

Since its establishment in 1994, GeoTechnologies has consistently provided digital mapping solutions. In 1995, the company launched the mapping software “MapFan.” Following that, it became the first in Japan to develop i-mode maps, car navigation systems, corporate mapping data, location information solutions, and critical map data for advanced driving assistance systems (AD/ADAS).

Moreover, with its 2020 launch of the activity rewards app “Trimar,” it has developed a means to collect insights regarding human movement and societal trends in real-time. By analyzing this massive database combined with geographical data cultivated over nearly three decades, GeoTechnologies aims to provide real-time insights and work towards a more comfortable and sustainable world.

Head Office: 22F Bunkyo Green Court Center Office, 2-28-8 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo.
CEO: Yoichiro Yatsuraki
Founded: May 1, 1994
Business Areas: Automotive, Enterprise, Marketing, Consumer
Corporate Website: GeoTechnologies