One year after its introduction, Shanghai-based Trip.com Group’s childcare subsidy program has supported over 540 employees worldwide, offering financial relief and promoting work-life balance.
Launched in July 2023, the subsidy provides an annual cash bonus of 10,000 yuan ($1,900 Canadian) for each newborn child from their first birthday until age five, available to employees who have been with the company for three or more years.
Employees have praised the initiative for its flexibility and positive impact. Peter Song, a market manager in Korea, mentioned using the subsidy for essential items like milk powder and diapers.
Isla Fang, a senior financial analyst in China, noted that the funds would support her child’s education, adding, “The policies provide my family with two key things: money and time.”
Beyond the financial support, employees appreciate the emotional backing from a company culture that emphasizes wellness and work-life balance, according to a press release issued by the company. Selviana Fortunella Santoso, a market executive in Indonesia, described the subsidy as a miracle during her pregnancy, highlighting the company’s insurance coverage and maternity leave policies.
“This is the first time I have directly experienced such a supportive policy in the company,” said Xinqi Du, a market executive in Japan. Du also praised the family-friendly environment, which allows children to visit the workplace after school and supportive supervisors and colleagues who understand the challenges of balancing work and parenting.
In addition to the childcare subsidy, Trip.com Group promotes employee wellness through hybrid work models, insurance that covers spouses and children, and assisted reproduction benefits like egg freezing. The company celebrates the second anniversary of its hybrid work model, which launched in March 2022 and allows remote work on certain days. This initiative has expanded to all global offices, aiming to enhance employee satisfaction, support family care, and reduce traffic congestion.
Research supports the benefits of hybrid working. A six-month randomized control trial with 1,612 Trip.com Group employees found that hybrid working improved job satisfaction and quality of life without negatively affecting performance grades or promotions.