[National Federation of Women’s and Children’s Groups Press Release] December 11, 2024

Prioritizing Motherhood and Workplace Mental Health: Social Actions to Support Family Happiness!
Three major data explain Taiwan’s mental health challenges
• High mental health risk
According to the 2023 Asian Mental Health Index, Taiwan’s mental health index ranks sixth among 12 Asian countries with a stress level of 61.4, with 87% of respondents at high or moderate mental health risk (comparable to Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Malaysia, and higher than other Asian countries), resulting in reduced employee engagement, frequent leave, and increased turnover, leading to a decrease in productivity. The mental health index for women (60.7) was lower than that for men (64.1).
• Workplace stress has a serious impact on health
According to a survey by the National Education Action Alliance, 75.7% of respondents believe that work stress harms mental health, 84.4% say stress affects sleep, 24.9% miss work due to stress, and 31.9% engage in unhealthy behaviors due to stress.
• Hidden working hours erode family time
According to the 2023 Survey on Labor Life and Employment Status, 24.5% of workers are still assigned jobs after work, and 70% are handled immediately, which is particularly destructive to the role of mothers.
Insufficient support from the government and enterprises
1. Gaps in the laws and regulations for the right to go offline
There is still a lack of clear regulations on whether employees have the “right to go offline” and not respond to supervisor’s messages after work.
2. Cultural and cognitive lag
Excessive cultural expectations and unequal distribution of family responsibilities have exacerbated the pressure of motherhood.
Action case: Mother-friendly practice
As a social enterprise focusing on motherhood issues, “Mother Co., Ltd.” is the first to provide motherhood-friendly action plans:
1. Exclusive activities to support motherhood: “Mom Happiness Tail Teeth”
2. Love ticket program: Assist families with financial difficulties in participating in activities.

Specific demands and action initiatives
• Legislation on the right to be offline Legislation to ensure the right to be offline after work.
• Promote mother-friendly activities: Support more mother-friendly activities designed specifically for motherhood roles.
• Flexible parental leave and parental education leave: Promote 8 hours of parental leave per month.
• Full Mental Health Support: Provides mental health resources that are more accessible to women, especially in motherhood roles.