The government has been ramping up efforts to support workers raising children. In the meantime, companies are also facing the need to implement measures to support workers caring for old family members amid aging of the country’s population or workforce. In response to this situation, the Industry Ministry has released “the Guideline for Employers to Support Caregiving Workers.” The document covers the background, meaning of support measures and how to back up workers. This article features the Guideline’s outline and key points.
[1] Background of the guideline
The number of workers caring for old family members has been on the rise. It is expected to reach 3.2 million by 2030 and cause economic losses totaling 9 trillion yen. It is crucial for the country to come up with effective measures to prevent damage on its economy.
This problem also presents a great risk to company operations since caregiving workers may not be able to perform duties adequately and, in many cases, leave their jobs. It is time for companies to consider practical measures to address this issue.
[2] Key points of the guideline
The Guideline presents three steps to be taken by employers
(STEP1) Show commitment of the management
Make clear the intention to increase company-wide effort to support caregiving workers
□ Understand the problem
Gain knowledge about nursing care and understand the issue’s possible impact on business activities
□ Clarify employer’s message
Inform employees about the policy to promote support for caregiving workers
□ Establish a structure
Appoint a manager or workers responsible for support measures, involve managerial staff in the effort.
(STEP2) Understanding of the situation and response
Understand the impact and risks of working while giving nursing care
□ Questionnaire, hearing
Obtain correct understanding of nursing-care related issues facing workers
□ Adopt a specific personnel strategy
Draw up a personnel plan to support caregiving workers to demonstrate their capabilities at work
(STEP3) Information
Reduce employees’ future risks by providing push information from the company
□ Basic information
Provide basic information about nursing care insurance system and other related programs
□ Training
Provide training opportunities for all employees to improve literacy or for managers to learn about measures to support caregiving workers.
□ Consulting desk
Notify employees about in-company consultation service and the procedure to use the service.
In addition to these steps, companies are encouraged to take their original measures, such as improvement in their HR and labor systems, establishment of a system to provide individual consultation or support for forming a community.
Lawmakers are deliberating an amendment bill to the Childcare and Caregiver Leave Act. If it passes, companies will be required to strengthen measures to prevent workers from leaving their jobs for the reason of nursing care. The need for specific measures to support caregiving workers is expected to increase.
[Reference]
Economy and Industry Ministry, “the Guideline for Employers to Support Caregiving Workers”
https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2023/03/20240326003/20240326003.html
*The content is valid as of the date of this article.
