Japan to tackle infertility in the workplace with femtech services

In Japan, according to a survey conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, 1 in every 5.5 couples is receiving treatment for infertility. Approximately 16% of people who receive fertility treatment have left their jobs because they struggle to balance work and the treatment.

When it comes to in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), women, in particular, are often required to have frequent consultations based on their ovulation cycles. These treatments can place a huge burden on them mentally, and hormone treatments can also cause physical side effects. It usually takes more than two hours for just a consultation and treatment. This does not include travel to the hospitals and the usual 2-3 hours of waiting time. Therefore, it is often the case that they have to spend more than a half-day for a single appointment.

Lack of support within workplace hangs over patients

The survey also shows that 80% of companies don’t have any support system targeted at employees who are receiving fertility treatment. Some companies have introduced a temporary leave program and a subsidy system. However, even in these companies, many employees may want to avoid revealing personal matters to their companies or hesitate to use the system due to the complexity of the procedures and the lack of awareness of the system within the company.

In the context of that, there is often a lack of understanding in the workplace. In fact, some of the employees receiving treatment have been told to leave their jobs. According to the survey, the top reasons for turnover are the frequent hospital visits, heavy mental burden and difficulties for employees to adjust their work schedules to allow for consultations and treatment. Many women may therefore feel like they have to choose between the treatment and their job.

Even if they decide to leave their job, they may experience anxiety due to the high costs and the fact that the treatment lasts an average of 2-3 years. As another survey shows, over 50% of patients receiving IVF or ICSI spend more than one million yen on treatment, and 30% of them spend more than two million yen. Approximately 20% of patients give up having treatment due to financial issues. The government revised its subsidy in 2020 and now covers 300,000 yen per treatment up to six times per child, with an age limit. However, over 50% of patients are unaware of the existence of the subsidy.

Making fertility treatment more sustainable

As a step to solve these issues, a Japanese company called FamiOne, Inc. has developed a femtech service called “famione.” It aims to create a supportive corporate culture for employees receiving fertility treatment. In this service, anyone can anonymously ask various experts for advice through a popular Japanese chat tool called LINE. You can get not only reliable information based on your situation but also mental health support from psychologists.

Additionally, “famione” holds seminars with companies to promote understanding of fertility treatment in the workplace. The seminars are arranged depending on each company’s situation and provide knowledge of fertility treatment itself and the effective ways of offering support as a manager or a colleague.

As technology continues to develop dramatically, “famione” is an example of how femtech can be an effective method in creating an organizational culture that considers the wellness of employees, in addition to improving employee welfare processes within companies. It is necessary to support employees who receive fertility treatment to allow them to build their careers while balancing their personal lives.