[April 1st: 40 Years of Equal Employment Opportunity Law & Revised Act on Promotion of Women's Active Participation] 41% of Working Women in their 30s-40s Consider Changing Jobs, 80% Engage in Self-Investment

Waris Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Joint CEOs: Fumika Yonekura, Miwa Tanaka, Kyoko Kawa), a human resources service company that supports everyone's unique life by supporting diverse working styles for women, is pleased to announce that on April 1, 2026, the "Equal Employment Opportunity Law" will mark its 40th anniversary, and with the enforcement of the "Revised Act on the Promotion of Women's Active Participation," companies with 101 or more employees will be obligated to disclose "the ratio of women in managerial positions" and "the gender pay gap." Ahead of these milestones, we will look back on the past 40 years and introduce the "current status" of women in their 30s-40s based on survey results regarding "job satisfaction" and "career outlook."

This survey revealed that behind the "numbers" that companies pursue, women are actively seeking a "flexible career" that can change its form according to life events, rather than a linear career aligned with organizational logic.

■ 40 Years of "Women x Work"

■ [Survey Results] The "True Feelings" and "Actions" of Women in their 30s-40s, Seen Through Data

1. [Career Direction] "Challenges Outside the Company" Over "Internal Promotion." 41.3% Aim for Job Changes

Regarding future career direction, while "aiming for promotion/managerial positions (19.6%)" was stated, a significant portion indicated a preference for "job changes/career shifts (41.3%)" and "side jobs/parallel careers (36.6%)." This suggests a desire for a "flexible career" that can adapt to life events, rather than a continuous career path expected by organizations.

2. "Flexible Work Styles" Determine Job Satisfaction. However, Distrust in Evaluation Systems

The primary reason for satisfaction with current jobs (satisfied/somewhat satisfied; 57.1%) is the environmental aspect, such as "physical ease of balancing work and family" due to the introduction of remote work. On the other hand, those dissatisfied (dissatisfied/somewhat dissatisfied; 20.2%) cited reasons such as the lack of transparency in evaluation systems and resistance to the recent "return-to-office" trend.

FAQ

What are the key legal changes mentioned in the article and when do they take effect?

The article mentions two key legal changes: the 40th anniversary of the "Equal Employment Opportunity Law" on April 1, 2026, and the enforcement of the "Revised Act on the Promotion of Women's Active Participation." The latter will obligate companies with 101 or more employees to disclose "the ratio of women in managerial positions" and "the gender pay gap."

What is the primary career aspiration for women in their 30s-40s according to the survey?

According to the survey, women in their 30s-40s are more inclined towards "job changes/career shifts" (41.3%) and "side jobs/parallel careers" (36.6%) rather than aiming for "promotion/managerial positions" within their current organizations (19.6%). They seek a "flexible career" that can adapt to life events.

What is the main reason for job satisfaction among women surveyed?

The primary reason for job satisfaction (57.1%) is the improved work environment, such as the introduction of remote work, which makes it physically easier to balance work and family life.

What are the main reasons for job dissatisfaction among women surveyed?

The main reasons for dissatisfaction (20.2%) include the lack of transparency in evaluation systems and resistance to the recent trend of companies mandating a return to the office.

What does Waris Co., Ltd. do?

Waris Co., Ltd. is a human resources service company that supports everyone's unique life by supporting diverse working styles for women.

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