[Cases of Balance Between Work and Childcare]Manager of Administrative Department
More and more employees want to keep on working in a way that lets them balance their work with childcare, nursing care, or medical treatment, by making use of the support systems and programs that they and their family need now and in the future. Superiors and colleagues are also becoming increasingly more understanding and cooperative of each person’s situation.
CASE 1
Manager of Administrative Department, North Sendai Branch
Ryotaro Ito
Joined in 2000
Mr. Ito started working in Sales Administration, and he was then transferred to the Administrative Department in 2011. Since assuming his current position in 2018, together with his six-member team, Mr. Ito has been in charge of estimations, orders and profit management at branches. He is also actively balancing his work and home life, as a father of two girls.
Ikumen Leave has helped me to work more efficiently
Ikumen Leave was launched in September 2018, so I used this new system to take one week of leave for four times over a six-month period. As a section manager of a six-member team, initially I was a bit unsure about whether I could take this childcare leave. Fortunately, my team had things well under control in our sales and design work, so I could focus on raising my children with peace of mind. During my leave I made sure to prioritize my children. I dropped off and picked up my second child at nursery school, supervised my eldest daughter as she studied, and had fun playing with my daughters. I also took over the household chores from my wife, who works as well. I enjoyed cleaning the house, doing laundry, shopping for groceries, and preparing meals. My wife was also really happy that I was at home and could spend more time with my family, and having meals together and talking at the dinner table. After I returned to work, I started planning and making various arrangements for up to two weeks ahead. Thanks to Ikumen Leave, I’m able to work more efficiently and smoothly handle sudden requests and inquiries. My wife and I also coordinate our work schedules and use paid leave or hour-based annual leave to take time off for school events, or if our daughters suddenly become sick. I feel like I have a good work-life balance these days; I’m motivated to work hard, and I also enjoy my life at home with my family.
