On March 11, 2025, Daikin Industries, Ltd. Technology and Innovation Center (hereinafter referred to as Daikin TIC) and BeLiebe Inc. (hereinafter referred to as BeLiebe), the operating company of EggU, jointly held a seminar on the theme of "Balancing Work and Family Life."
More than 150 employees from a variety of positions participated, including employees raising children, young employees worried about future life events, and managers supporting subordinates raising children. The seminar was held in two parts over the course of one day, and participants spent an intensive time thinking carefully about "careers and life events," "how to deal with subordinates," and "how to achieve results in a limited amount of time" from their respective positions .
On the day of the event, a system was set up that allowed viewers to anonymously post comments and questions, and many expressed sympathy with the speakers' words and provided frank opinions regardless of position.A major feature of this event was that participants did not just listen one-sidedly, but also took the time to actively participate in the sessions, thinking about what they would do if they were in a different situation .
From young employees with vague anxieties about the future to managers unsure how to interact with subordinates who are juggling work and family life, this one-day event allowed employees from diverse backgrounds to reexamine how "balance" works for themselves and their teams, and take home hints that can be used in action from tomorrow .
Part 1 | Don't give up on your career. What you can do to work in your own way
In the first part, a representative from Daikin TIC introduced the company's internal systems and childcare support measures, and BeLiebe gave a lecture on the theme of "Career strategies tailored to each life stage."
"How will I be able to work if I have children?" "Is it really possible to balance work with my career?"
This will be a time that will give employees who have such vague anxieties an opportunity to envision their future .
The lecture also touched on the importance of having a "one and only career" and writing down your anxieties and worries , and I was impressed by his perspective on career development, which is to find a "solution that satisfies you" rather than "someone else's correct answer."
Part 2 | How to deal with subordinates who are raising children? The reality of management
In the second part, BeLiebe shared key management points from a DE&I perspective, followed by a panel discussion between three Daikin TIC managers and one junior employee .
The themes are "time," "communication," "mindset," and "consideration."
These sessions were designed based on the concerns that were frequently raised in an anonymous survey conducted in advance among prospective participants , and participants exchanged honest thoughts from the perspectives of both superiors and subordinates , based on themes that aligned with their own awareness of issues.
The experiences and realizations shared from each perspective garnered much sympathy from both superiors and subordinates.
What was particularly impressive was my boss's sharing of her own child-rearing experiences and doubts .
I once again realized that by knowing that their superiors are also struggling with the same issues, a relationship can be developed in which subordinates can feel comfortable speaking their true feelings .
After the seminar: An opportunity to think about how to balance work and family in a way that suits you
A questionnaire was conducted after the seminar, and 72 people responded.
In particular, many people commented that "the stories were based on real experiences and left a lasting impression on me," and "I was able to relate to my own situation," highlighting once again the familiarity and urgency of the themes.
The following lessons and discoveries emerged from the participants' comments:
The conflict between work and family is a personal issue for everyone
It became clear that many people, regardless of gender or position, have concerns such as "I don't have enough time" and "I'm worried about what others think and how I'm evaluated."
This is certainly not something that only concerns those in the midst of raising children, nor does it concern young employees who are about to face life events. In fact, it turns out that managers who are in a position to support their subordinates also have similar concerns.
For example, some people said, "I want my employees to grow, but I'm worried about how to give them the opportunity in the limited time I have." When faced with assignments such as business trips or overseas assignments, they hesitate, wondering, "Is the burden too great?" Such real-life doubts were also shared.
How to balance work and family life is a topic that everyone faces, even if it varies depending on each person's situation and position . This is why the session highlighted the importance of a forum where people can think and talk beyond their positions .
My boss's honest opinion gave me a sense of security
The honest thoughts and struggles of the superiors that were shared during the panel discussion created a sense of relief for many . By learning that "bosses also face daily challenges," subordinates seemed to sense an atmosphere where it was okay to ask for advice .
An environment where dialogue is possible supports career development
The importance of dialogue about careers was also emphasized. Some participants commented that if there were more opportunities for one-on-one conversations and for sharing life plans, they would feel more comfortable expressing their hopes and concerns.
This seminar provided an opportunity to reconsider the importance of building a foundation of not only "systems" but also "understanding" and "dialogue" in order to support the balance between work and family life .
It all starts with "trying to understand"
Balancing work and family life is not something that one person can do alone, but something that is built through understanding and dialogue within a team or organization . This seminar was an opportunity to encourage this small step of "trying to understand each other."
BeLiebe will continue to work with partner companies to create a society where each individual has the option to work in a way that suits them best .