Comparative studies on the work-life balance in firms between Sweden, the Netherlands and Japan

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Sweden and the Netherlands are countries known for their better work-life balance (WLB) models. However, what policies and ideas combine work and life well? The results of our research show that first is shortening of working hours. Second, a good work-family balance (WFB) for working parents who are caring children is also important to WLB. Long parent leaves and high-quality childcare facilities are essential means to reach the good WLB. In addition, it is important that childcare should be considered as the right of social citizenship in order to enrich such parents leave and childcare services. A new idea of rights of social citizenship is needed to promote WLF like Sweden. A new family model ; the both bread-winner/both care family model is emerging. However, the model of Netherlands and Japan remains in the traditional family model, Therefore, public supported childcare facilities are not so many because mothers care children at home. Third, the strong consensus on gender equality is also crucial to achieve WLB and WFB work-family balance. Fourth, work-life balance policies links greatly with the idea of society, that is, the society where the 'possibility of choice' is open equally to all the people and that supports individual needs and hopes for them to do this and to be that. WLB is one of most important policies to achieve the 'possibility of choice' and to make it come true. These are the results that we have reached with our research.