Bosses' reaction top concern for employees taking maternity leave: survey

14 weeks! this is the 21st century. either father or mother should have one year. having a child is not like buying a new tv. it is the future of japan.

The reaction of their bosses was the top source of such concern, cited by 37.6%, followed by how they will be viewed by colleagues at 32.4%. About 30% also cited an atmosphere in the office that discourages them from taking childcare leave in quick succession.

It’s sad that any woman has to work in an environment that they need to worry about how they will be "viewed" by colleagues for having a baby. They should be supported fully!

I agree thy should absolutely supported, but it is difficult when, as I have in one office in our company, where they are keeping the position open for the staff member, as they should, but haven't organized other staff while they are away.

Goodlucktoyou: It's 6 weeks before giving birth and 8 after for the woman for physical reasons. However, fathers of mothers are both legally allowed to take a year off (or more if no childcare is available) for child raising leave. Many men don't take advantage of it but my husband did and said it was very beneficial. I chose to return to work.

A company I'm familiar with expects the pregnant woman to take one year off. Then they do the unimaginable, they hire a temp worker for a year to fill in. When the mother returns, sometimes the temp worker is shifted to another section to fill in for another expectant mother, sometimes not if there are no other expectant mothers. Is this rocket science in Tokyo?

I think the Japanese childcare allowances are actually very good. Up to 1 year for the father and 1.5 years for the mother, and they get paid (by the government) at 2/3rds of their previous salary (up to a cap). And its possible for both parents to take leave simultaneously. I

However the percentage of fathers that take the paternity leave is insanely low. Like under 1%. And even then it is only for 1 month or so.

As for the mother's taking leave, it only takes one person to pave the way, like that JAL employee in the other story. My wife's coworker demanded maternity leave a couple of years back and even though they are the typical jiji-controlled company, they had to accept it. So when it was my wife's turn, it was much easier.

Boss' reaction = Professional bullying.

Since it's endemic in many societies, companies should regularly remind employees and management that harassment of any kind is not only not tolerated, but actually not within the rights of the management to even put into its employees.

If this harassment occurs, it's a breaking of the country labor rules, and this company's rules.

But will this ever be given priority? Of course not! As a matter of fact, most companies are holding meetings where they bully their employees and place even more stress on them.

I've been told many times Japanese don't like confrontation. That may be true but they sure do like tension and subtle harrassment.

Why? Declining/flat lining birth rate. Could it be social pressure not to use that womb? Taking maternity leave would just lead to people taking their annual leave, sick days? That would be the death of the comatose economy, its relying on an acceptance of serfdom to sustain a huge proportion of businesses. Shinzo has already helped by increasing the legally allowed over time from 40 hours to 100 hours, except construction, transport and doctors. Not that many businesses comply anyway.

A baby is a future tax payer, if you have a business surly the prospect of future customers should be welcomed. Not spurred.

Perhaps simply hire LGBT women if they're concerned, and improve the Company's status in that respect ?

Otherwise, treat Women equally, since most aren't thinking with their Genitals most of the time.