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Balancing Work and Parenting: A Closer Look at the Needs of Dual-Income Families

In recent years, an increasing number of dual-income households in Japan have been grappling with the challenges of balancing work and parenting. Recent research conducted by LOBBY Inc., based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, highlights the specific domestic support services these families require but often struggle to access. The survey focused on couples with an annual household income exceeding 15 million yen and unveiled significant insights about their challenges and the services they prefer.

Background of the Research

Starting in April 2025, the "Child Future Strategy Acceleration Plan" will officially take effect, enhancing support for dual-income families with children. This initiative is a reflection of the rising societal interest in the complexities of managing both work and family life. However, despite the emergence of new systems and various support services, there remains a clear gap between available resources and actual needs. While these families typically enjoy a better financial standing, they equally face the stress of demanding jobs and time constraints, often leaving them to wonder which support services can genuinely meet their requirements.

Key Findings from the Survey

The survey conducted from November 5 to 7, 2025, included 330 participants and revealed some startling statistics about the experiences of high-income dual-income parents.

• - Time Constraints: Over half of the respondents, specifically 52.7%, reported that their primary concern in balancing work and parenting was time limitations. The survey indicated that respondents felt the most significant sacrifice was their personal time and activities, which directly impacts their well-being.

• - Recent Use of Household Services: Interestingly, in the past year, the most commonly utilized support services included "after-school care" (26.1%) and "meal kit/delivery services" (20.9%). These services reflect a need for assistance in maintaining a functional household while managing work commitments.

• - Desired Support Services: When asked about their ideal support services, a striking 41.5% expressed a desire for "housekeeping services," showing a clear preference for offloading some of their domestic responsibilities. This highlights an overwhelming need for quality domestic help, particularly among busy parents managing demanding careers alongside family life.

• - Barriers to Service Utilization: The main obstacles highlighted were largely financial. Both economic burdens and concerns regarding service quality were cited as primary barriers to accessing these essential services.

• - Expectations for Change: Respondents expressed a strong preference for increased flexibility in their working conditions, with 31.8% stressing this as a significant expectation from employers and government bodies in the future.

The Need for Support Services

The implications of these findings are profound. It is evident that as the dual-income family model continues to grow, there is an urgent need for systems that elevate support for work-life balance, especially catered towards those with higher incomes who face unique pressures. The survey results make it clear that quality housekeeping services such as those offered by LOBBY are not just luxuries but essential components of a functional and healthy household, allowing parents to reclaim their personal time and reduce stress.

LOBBY's housekeeping service aims to facilitate a comfortable daily life by offering tailored assistance in cleaning, cooking, and other household chores. With dedicated and trained staff, the services are flexible enough to fit individual family needs, ensuring that parents can focus on both their careers and their children's upbringing with peace of mind.

Conclusion

The findings from this survey emphasize a significant gap between the availability of support services and the needs of dual-income families in Japan. In a modern work landscape, where parents strive to balance their professional aspirations with their responsibilities at home, it is crucial for service providers to listen and adapt. Housekeeping services like LOBBY's offer practical solutions that directly address the time constraints faced by these families, providing an invaluable lifeline. As the demand for effective support rises, stakeholders must work collaboratively to ensure that help reaches those who need it the most.

For more information about LOBBY and their service offerings, visit their website at LOBBY.