Ministry of Labor Subsidizes Work-Life Balance, Singles' Social Events Also Eligible

The Ministry of Labor encourages companies to create family-friendly workplaces and promote work-life balance measures. The Ministry announced that applications for work-life balance measure subsidies will be accepted until the 31st, covering stress-relief courses, family days, and singles' social events. The Ministry of Labor issued a press release stating that since 2014, it has established the "Promoting Work-Life Balance Subsidy Program" to serve as a resource for companies to balance employees' work, family care, and life, and to assist companies in developing various employee-friendly measures. The Ministry of Labor stated that the subsidy items under the Promoting Work-Life Balance Subsidy Program are diverse. Companies can apply for "Employee Care and Assistance Courses" to hold "Care for Employees with Serious Illness" courses, cultivating supervisors' and colleagues' emotional awareness and companionship skills for employees with serious illnesses, or conduct "Organizational Caregiver Training" to help companies establish employee assistance measures and develop a friendly organizational care culture. In addition, if companies wish to relieve employees' physical and mental stress, they can apply for "Employee Stress-Relief Courses." According to the work patterns, health conditions, hobbies, and interests of their colleagues, companies can develop diverse and interesting series of courses, such as office stretches, dietary conditioning for three high conditions, and DIY handicraft courses. Through relaxed and lively courses, employees can relieve and adjust their physical and mental stress while also enhancing communication and camaraderie among colleagues. The Ministry of Labor also mentioned that this year, "Singles' Social Events" have been added to the family-friendly measures subsidy. Companies can organize these events independently or jointly with other companies through activities such as board games, amusement parks, or light travel, allowing single employees to get to know each other in a natural and relaxed environment, expand their social circles, and enrich their social experiences. Currently, 21 companies have applied. The Ministry of Labor stated that applications from companies in 2026 have been enthusiastic, with an increase of about 30% compared to the same period in 2025, indicating that more and more companies are valuing the promotion of friendly workplaces. This year's applications will be accepted until the 31st, and companies are welcome to seize the opportunity to apply. (Editor: Lung Bor-An) 1150516