Upcoming Free Online Seminars for HR Professionals
In July, SMS Co., Ltd. will host a series of free online seminars aimed at business leaders and HR professionals. These sessions will focus on the latest developments regarding the Revised Childcare and Nursing Care Leave Law, which will come into effect in April 2025. The seminars are scheduled for July 9, 17, and 29 and will delve into effective strategies for supporting employees who are also caregivers.
Seminar Overview
The seminars will not only cover the essential updates of the revised law but will also address the real challenges business caregivers face, highlighting practical examples through discussions led by experienced care managers. Participants will learn about crucial points for compliance with the duties imposed by the law and explore support measures for employees who are juggling work and caregiving responsibilities.
Seminar Schedule
- - July 9th (Wed): 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- - July 17th (Thu): 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- - July 29th (Tue): 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- - Registration URL: Sign up here
Background Context
In Japan, the aging population and declining birthrate have resulted in an increasing demand for caregiving services. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, approximately 3.65 million people, termed business caregivers, are currently balancing work and caring for family members, with annual resignations due to caregiving issues totaling around 106,000. Many caregivers are in their 40s and 50s, representing a critical segment of the workforce. This underscores the importance of creating a work environment that accommodates both professional and caregiving responsibilities. Doing so is vital not only for the well-being and career development of employees but also for the sustainable growth of organizations.
In response to these challenges, the government is promoting initiatives enabling work and caregiving to coexist. The revised law mandates that firms must implement awareness programs regarding caregiving leave and support systems, confirm employee intentions individually, provide timely information, and develop counseling services. Companies are required to establish structures that facilitate understanding of employees' caregiving situations and challenges to mitigate potential drops in productivity and recruitment issues.
SMS’s Commitment to Supporting Work and Caregiving
SMS Co., Ltd. has been actively providing caregiving support services, such as "Anshin Kaigo for Biz." This program includes e-learning videos to inform employees about caregiving basics and insurance utilization, maintaining a consultation service with care managers, and offering surveys to assess employee challenges related to caregiving. The services cover everything that organizations may find difficult to manage independently.
Drawing from practical experience, our team consists of care managers, nurses, dietitians, and physiotherapists specializing in elderly care and social medicine, ensuring a comprehensive support system from understanding challenges to providing applicable solutions.
In these upcoming seminars, SMS aims to provide essential knowledge that directs businesses in addressing the real issues faced by caregivers. Detailed guidance will be provided on aspects of the revised law that companies must navigate, such as relaxed requirements for taking caregiving leave and establishing a supportive work environment. Participants will learn about flexible working hours, caregiving cost subsidies, and training initiatives related to these systems.
The seminars will be conducted by experienced professionals with over 15 years in the caregiving sector, bringing insights from public consultations. They will share case studies and real scenarios, helping HR professionals visualize the struggles that face businesses in supporting caregiving employees.
By participating in this seminar, HR representatives can reduce their workload while building frameworks that allow employees to manage both work and caregiving effectively, leading to improved productivity, retention rates, and corporate health management.
Conclusion
This series of online seminars not only aims to inform but also equip HR professionals with the tools they need to support their workforce effectively. Ensuring a sustainable work-life balance for employees who are caregivers is crucial for fostering an inclusive workplace culture. We look forward to your participation!