With Japan facing a shrinking workforce and a declining birthrate, it is crucial for companies to accommodate diverse working styles. In addition to supporting employees who are raising children, caring for elderly parents or undergoing medical treatment, a growing number of firms are now offering support for those receiving fertility treatment. The Labour Ministry provides a manual and subsidies for such companies as explained in this article.
[1] Manual for supporting employees wishing to continue work while receiving fertility treatment
The ministry has prepared a manual to help companies create a supportive environment for employees undergoing fertility treatment. It outlines steps for introducing a support system and includes case examples. Following are the recommended steps for implementing the system.
Step 1: Clarify company policy, establish a structure to launch the system
Step 2: Understand the needs of employees receiving fertility treatment
Step 3: Decide the system design and identify specific support measures
Step 4: Implement the system
Step 5: Monitor and review the system
Step 2 makes the actual beginning of the system implementation. To understand employees’ needs regarding fertility treatment, tools such as checklists and questionnaires are useful. The Ministry’s manual includes sample materials.
In Step 4, companies should inform employees about the new system, implement privacy protection measures and establish a structure for providing consultations. When offering consultation, it is important to confirm with each employee what information may be shared and with whom. If the company offers phone consultations, it is advisable to disclose the gender of the consultation staff in advance.
[2] Support subsidy (“the course for companies supporting workers undergoing fertility treatment and female workers facing health problems”)
In fiscal year 2025, the government introduced a new subsidy for small and medium-sized enterprises that have improved their workplace environment and implemented support measures for employees undergoing fertility treatment. Companies that have adopted measures to support workers facing women-specific health issues are also eligible to apply for the subsidy.
Following are major requirements for the subsidy.
If approved, a subsidy of 300,000 yen is provided once per company.
The ministry has also set up programs to certify companies improving the workplace to support workers receiving fertility treatment, which are called “Kurumin Plus,” “Platinum Kurumin Plus,” and “Try Kurumin Plus.” Please check the ministry’s website and start with measures that can be easily implemented.
[Reference]
The Ministry of Labour, “Support for workers undergoing fertility treatment”
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/newpage_14408.html
“Subsidy for companies supporting workers undergoing fertility treatment”
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kodomo/shokuba_kosodate/ryouritsu01/index.html
The information is based on laws and regulations as of the date of the original article.
