TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's convenience store giant FamilyMart (全家便利商店) launched an innovative childcare center Monday (Sept. 16) at its Taipei headquarters, marking a bold expansion into employee benefits. The "Family Mart Childcare Center" (全家托嬰中心) will begin operations Sept. 22, serving working parents with children aged 0 to 2 years. The facility represents a growing trend among Taiwanese companies to address the island's childcare challenges.
The compact facility spans nearly 100 square feet but maximizes space to accommodate 52 children with 11 dedicated teachers at full capacity. FamilyMart employees can conveniently drop off and collect their children before and after shifts, while partner companies like First Bank (第一銀行) also have access. Monthly fees of NT$18,000 (around US$600) for employees can be paid directly at any FamilyMart store nationwide.
Human resources director Sung Chi-chen (宋啓辰) revealed the company drew inspiration from tech giants TSMC (台積電) and MediaTek (聯發科), which pioneered employee childcare services in Taiwan. FamilyMart chose to employ its own childcare staff to ensure better management control and service quality. The center has already received 17 registrations, including applications from employees of neighboring businesses seeking solutions.
Executive vice president Wu Sheng-fu (吳勝福) highlighted an encouraging trend: approximately 40% of male employees have taken paternity leave, signaling evolving attitudes toward childcare responsibilities. General manager Hsueh Tung-tu (薛東都) estimated that half of FamilyMart's workforce falls within the demographic requiring childcare services. This data underscores the strategic timing of the company's childcare investment.
