Japanese Government Survey Shows 81.7% of Companies “do not give special consideration” if their Employees have Children with Disabilities

From Reuters via Kyodo

August 6 2023

JAPAN – A survey by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare found on August 6th that 81.7% of companies answered that they “do not give special consideration” even if their employees have children with disabilities. Parents of children with disabilities tend to take time off from work to go to hospitals or accompany them, and often have no choice but to give up their careers. The government’s study group is asking companies to provide support that respects the wishes of their employees.

The current work-life balance support system, such as reduced working hours, will no longer be available when the child reaches a certain age. People with disabilities need continuous support, and parents’ groups are calling for the introduction of a system that allows flexible use regardless of age.

The survey was mailed to companies with 50 or more employees from December last year to January this year. We received responses from 926 companies.

Regarding considerations (multiple answers) for employees’ children who have disabilities or require medical care (multiple answers), 81.7% answered “nothing in particular”, while “period of use such as reduced working hours” 4.0% answered “extend”, and 3.3% answered “extend the number of years taken such as childcare leave”. 1.2% of respondents said that they would receive subsidies for childcare and housework support services.