[Okinawa Nursing Care Reform] Nanjo-en Group Achieves 100% Parental Leave Return Rate and First Male Staff Leave

Nichinan Co., Ltd. (Representative Director: Noriyoshi Aragaki, hereafter 'Nanjo-en Group'), which operates residential nursing homes, home care, and day services in Nanjo City, Okinawa, has achieved a 100% return rate for employees on parental leave and successfully supported two male staff members in taking paternity leave. Under the vision of 'making nursing care a job to be proud of,' the group is committed to creating a workplace environment where staff can work long-term regardless of gender or employment status. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the number of nursing care staff has declined for the first time since statistics began, with a projected shortage of approximately 570,000 by fiscal year 2040. As talent retention becomes the industry's top priority, the focus is shifting toward 'retention over recruitment' and 'creating workplaces where both men and women can take leave.' Against this backdrop, the Nanjo-en Group has continuously worked on improving parental leave systems and supporting return-to-work processes. Recently, two male rehabilitation staff members took parental leave. While nursing care workplaces are typically dominated by female staff, it is still rare for male staff to take leave. One of the staff members who took leave recalled, 'I initially felt guilty and planned not to take it,' but said he was able to take it naturally because his supervisor encouraged him and helped plan the workflow during his absence. At Nanjo-en Group, the culture is shifting from 'it's okay to take leave' to management proactively creating a 'workplace where you can take leave.'