On April 4, 2025, I-PEX GLOBAL OPERATIONS Inc. (headquarters: Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture) received the Kurumin certification from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. This certification recognizes companies that actively support employees raising children.
What is Kurumin Certification?
Kurumin Certification is a government program based on the Act on Advancement of Measures to Support Raising Next-Generation Children. It recognizes companies that proactively support child-rearing by creating work environment where working parents can balance their careers and family responsibilities with peace of mind—going beyond legally mandated benefits.
Creating a Workplace that Values Work-Life Balance
I-PEX GLOBAL OPERATIONS Inc., a group company established to support the business activities of the I-PEX Group, is mainly responsible for BPO operations*, international management, and new business development.
- *BPO stands for "Business Process Outsourcing." In order to improve operational efficiency, I-PEX Inc. outsources part of its operations, such as sales, procurement, accounting, and HR, to its group company, I-PEX GLOBAL OPERATIONS Inc.
I-PEX GLOBAL OPERATIONS Inc. has implemented the following systems to create an environment where diverse employees can feel secure and supported:
- Hourly paid leave system
- Minimizing overtime
- Promoting remote work
- Short-time work system, etc.
Many employees at I-PEX GLOBAL OPERATIONS Inc. are raising children. Aiming to build a workplace that is understanding and flexible toward family circumstances, the company began efforts in October 2022 to obtain the Kurumin Certification, in order to formalize and strengthen its child-rearing support systems.
Key Initiatives Implemented for Kurumin Certification
A two-year action plan was formulated and the following measures were implemented:
- Improve interview process:
Introduced three-way interviews with employees, their superiors, and human resources before and after maternity or childcare leave. - Video training programs:
Promoted educational contents such as "Sharing Work for Couples: New Common Sense for Parental Leave" and videos on women's health, childcare and work-life balance to help employees manage both work and parenting. - Information sharing:
Distributed resources to enhance employees' knowledge within the company, such as "Information about basic laws," "Helpful content for raising children," and "List of childcare facilities for sick children" - System development:
Identified issues within existing systems and made improvements to meet certification standards
These initiatives were designed not only to obtain the certification but to strengthen the foundation for a workplace where all employees can work with confidence and peace of mind.
A Workplace That Supports Not Only Child-Rearing but All Life Stages
Employees of I-PEX GLOBAL OPERATIONS Inc.By obtaining Kurumin certification, I-PEX GLOBAL OPERATIONS Inc. has fostered deeper understanding and cooperation among employees regarding the introduction and operation of its childcare support system.
Looking ahead, I-PEX GLOBAL OPERATION S Inc. will also consider expanding support to other life stages—including caregiving for family members—and will continue enhancing its systems to accommodate more diverse working styles.
