#Japan #Gender Diversity #Nakano #Marui Group #paternity leave

Marui Group Makes Strides in Male Paternity Leave Initiatives

Marui Group, a leading retail company based in Nakano, Tokyo, has announced a significant milestone in its commitment to promote gender diversity within the organization. The company reported that the rate of male employees taking paternity leave for more than one month has surged to an impressive 90%. This achievement comes after seven consecutive years of reaching a 100% paternity leave uptake among eligible male employees, further highlighting their success in fostering a supportive workplace culture.

The Journey Towards Enhanced Paternity Leave

In an effort to enhance the participation of women in decision-making roles, Marui Group has utilized a distinctive metric termed the “Women’s Ikigai Index.” This initiative aims to elevate the proportion of women in executive positions, which currently sits at only 8%, despite women constituting 45% of the workforce. Through this lens of diversity, the company acknowledges that innovation arises from varied experiences and perspectives.

Since 2013, Marui Group has embraced a broader diversity strategy encompassing gender, age, and individuality. Among several key performance indicators (KPIs) set to monitor their progress, the male paternity leave rate has been a focal point. By creating a culture that endorses personal aspirations, the company encourages every employee to actively engage in family life.

The company has implemented a proactive approach where managers encourage male employees to take paternity leave upon the birth of a child. This strategy has led to a consistent 100% uptake in parental leave among male employees since 2018. However, it became apparent that only a handful were taking leave for over one month at that time. Marui Group recognized that early and active participation in childcare could lead to sustained involvement in parenting for men, thereby fostering a more supportive environment for women at work.

To encourage long-term paternity leave adoption, Marui Group set a KPI targeting a 1-month or longer leave by men in 2021. A review of internal surveys revealed that many men avoid taking extended leave due to apprehensions about burdening their colleagues. To address this, management conducted workshops aimed at elucidating the significance of taking both early and extended paternity leave. As of 2023, a program has been established allowing employees to report their partner's expected due date and preferred leave time twice a year, guaranteeing discussions with supervisors.

Additionally, Marui Group has utilized its internal portal to communicate the necessity of dismantling rigid gender roles, especially during longer maternity leaves. This includes sharing success stories of male employees who have taken extended leaves, depicting the benefits and encouraging others. These concerted efforts have culminated in a stunning achievement; by 2024, 90% of male employees are expected to take more than one month off for paternity leave.

Understanding the Women’s Ikigai Index

The Women’s Ikigai Index is Marui Group’s proprietary metric aimed at fostering gender diversity and enhancing women’s active participation within the workforce. Established in 2013, it has served as a benchmark for tracking organizational attitudes and cultural shifts. The index forms part of a broader strategy commenced in 2021, highlighting issues that hinder women’s advancement, such as traditional gender roles. By integrating male paternity leave rates as part of the revised Women’s Ikigai Index, the company sets measurable goals for 2025 and shares its progress toward empowering women in leadership roles.

Conclusion

Marui Group's progressive policies and dedication to expanding male paternity leave reflect a forward-thinking approach to workplace diversity and family support. Their efforts demonstrate how fostering a culture of inclusivity can benefit both employees and the organization as a whole, heralding significant advancements in gender equality within the professional sphere.

For further insights into Marui Group’s initiatives and progress, visit their official website at Marui Group.