In yesterday’s Wall Street Journal (Monday, July 23, 2007), the article titled “Japanese Companies Woo Women Back to Work,” points out how societies differ in their attitudes about women and work. Not only does it draw a clear picture of how Japanese attitudes are changing, but it illustrates the motivators of these changes. (Be sure to look at the chart that shows the difference in womens participation in the workforce between Japan, Sweden, the U.S. and the UK.)

It’s fascinating to watch how Japanese economic and demographic trends are forcing cultural changes with regard to working women. For example, Mizuho Financial Group opened a day-care center–an almost unprecedented move–and other firms are offering extended maternity leave and flexible schedules, also rare until now.

However, the structural changes are just the beginning. It’s the cultural changes that are going to be a challenge. To quote from a Japanese manager in the article, “Its not difficult to set up a [female-friendly] system. The hardest part is changing peoples mentality.” Clearly, diversity initiatives will soon follow.

-Charlene