Your employer not only supports your professional growth, but also helps you plan your future family.
In 2022, CyberAgent, one of Japan’s leading tech companies, launched a benefit that shocked even the most progressive corporate circles:
an egg freezing support program for female employees.
It’s bold. It’s unexpected. And it may be a glimpse into the future of work-life balance.
What Is the Egg Freezing Benefit?
CyberAgent’s Egg Freezing Support Program offers up to ¥400,000 (around $2,500–$3,000) to cover the initial costs of egg freezing. This includes:
- Hormone treatments
- Egg retrieval procedures
- Cryopreservation setup
- Preliminary medical exams
Long-term storage costs are excluded, but the biggest hurdle—upfront expense—is dramatically reduced.
And this isn’t just for senior staff.
Even newly hired employees are eligible.
What Is “F Leave”?
Alongside the financial support, CyberAgent introduced a special leave system called “F Leave”—short for fertility leave.
Here’s how it works:
- Can be used once per month
- Can be requested on the same day
- The name is deliberately vague, so coworkers won’t know the purpose
It’s a simple yet powerful example of thoughtful design.
The goal? To make it as easy and stress-free as possible for women to attend fertility-related appointments.
Where Did This Idea Come From?
Most people would assume such a radical policy came from top executives.
But in this case, it didn’t.
The idea came from an internal women’s team at CyberAgent called CAramel.
They recognized a growing problem:
Women feeling forced to choose between career or children.
Their solution?
Give women more time and more choice.
CyberAgent not only listened—
they acted.
Not Just Money: Education Matters
When the program launched, CyberAgent didn’t stop at financial support.
They also partnered with medical professionals to host in-house seminars about egg freezing.
Why?
Because informed decisions require real knowledge.
Over 100 employees attended the seminars—
proving that this policy was meeting a very real need.
Why This Matters
In Japan, this kind of benefit is nearly unheard of.
Even globally, only a handful of companies—like Google, Apple, and Facebook—offer anything similar.
CyberAgent is the first major Japanese company to implement this at scale.
With declining birthrates, rising average marriage ages, and increased pressure on working women,
fertility planning is no longer just a personal issue—it’s a societal one.
By offering egg freezing as a benefit, CyberAgent isn’t just helping employees.
They’re sending a message:
“We support your future—on your terms.”
Key Takeaways
- Up to ¥400,000 in egg freezing cost coverage
- Monthly “F Leave” for medical visits
- Available to all female employees, regardless of seniority
- Born from internal employee voices, not executive mandates
- Paired with medical education for informed decisions
This isn’t just a benefit—it’s a blueprint for how companies can truly support work-life balance.
Final Thoughts
CyberAgent’s egg freezing benefit might sound extreme to some.
But it reflects something powerful:
A shift in how companies view employee wellness,
gender equity, and future planning.
As more people delay family decisions to pursue careers,
companies who support both paths will stand out.
CyberAgent isn’t just adapting to the future.
They’re helping shape it.
If you’re curious about how your company can introduce more forward-thinking benefits,
this might just be the case study worth sharing.
