Driving Diversity and Inclusion: The Impact of Paternity Leave Training on Male Employees

In a significant advancement for workplace equality, Medipal Holdings Co., based in Tokyo, has joined a large-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT) to explore the effects of paternity leave training aimed at male employees. This initiative reflects the company's dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion (D&I), particularly regarding parental leave, which has been a critical issue in Japan where many fathers forego their rights due to workplace culture.

Background of the Study

Despite Japan's comprehensive parental leave system, a substantial number of fathers cite 'workplace atmosphere' as a deterrent to taking paternity leave. Medipal Holdings recognizes the need to not only establish policies but also to challenge and change workplace norms and consciousness. Their participation in this RCT demonstrates the company's commitment to understanding how to influence behavioral changes effectively. Over 1,000 male employees from Medipal participated in the trial, highlighting the critical interest in reshaping workplace culture.

Overview of the RCT

Conducted in collaboration with prominent institutions—including the University of Tokyo, Doshisha University, and Tsukuba University—the study focused on more than 1,200 male employees from four organizations: two private companies and two local government bodies. Participants were divided into two groups to assess the impact of a two-hour training session on paternity leave. This rigorous academic examination aimed to furnish empirical evidence on intervention effectiveness in transforming workplace attitudes.

Key Findings

The outcomes of the training revealed significant benefits for both participants and their families:

- Increased Childcare Time: Participating fathers reported spending an additional hour per day (approximately 16%) on childcare, particularly in households with children aged five and under where the increase averaged 2.3 hours daily.
- Enhanced Work Engagement for Mothers: Interestingly, even mothers who did not attend training experienced changes, with their work hours increasing by 3.6 hours per week (18%). This shift indicates a reconsideration of domestic responsibilities, likely spurred by changing attitudes of their partners.
- Promoted Initiative and Information Pursuit: Post-training, there was a 16-point surge in participants actively researching paternity leave policies.

Furthermore, findings revealed a disconnect in perception regarding workplace support. While 86% of colleagues supported male paternity leave, participants underestimated this, believing only about 54% of peers were in favor. This disparity highlighted the limitation of merely providing information; effective change requires structured training interventions that approach the issue comprehensively.

Continuing Initiatives

In light of these results, Medipal Holdings is pursuing a multi-faceted approach to D&I and parental leave. Their CSR committee is producing interview articles featuring male employees who have taken paternity leave, sharing authentic experiences to deconstruct misconceptions surrounding workplace support. Additionally, Medico, a group company, organized a roundtable with three male Marketing Specialists who took approximately a month of leave in 2025, discussing transitional strategies and positive responses from clients post-return to work.

These sustained efforts have positively influenced the company's paternity leave uptake rates, ramping up from 58.9% in FY2024 to projections of 74.7% by FY2025. Medipal Holdings has set an ambitious KPI of achieving a 100% paternity leave uptake rate for male employees by 2030 as part of their significant D&I initiatives.

Conclusion

The insights gleaned from this trial not only advocate a shift away from traditional norms but also aim to embed a culture that facilitates balancing work and child-rearing responsibilities. Medipal Holdings is committed to leveraging these findings to enhance corporate value while contributing to the creation of a sustainable society. With a profound commitment to improve and drive D&I, the organization embarks on a path toward transformative change that underscores the importance of paternity leave in nurturing strong familial bonds and supportive workplaces.

For further reading, refer to the joint press release available from the University of Tokyo, Doshisha University, and Tsukuba University.