Nov. 08, 2023
Awarded Highest Gold Rating in PRIDE Index 2023 for LGBTQ+-Related Initiatives
On November 7, 2023, Sumitomo Corporation received the highest Gold rating in the PRIDE Index 2023. This index was developed by the Japanese voluntary association “work with Pride” to evaluate workplace initiatives related to LGBTQ+.
The Sumitomo Corporation Group recognizes Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (“DE&I”) as “the core enabler for value creation, innovation and competitiveness” and aims to provide a “Great Place to Work” where individuals can achieve their full potential and continue creating new value regardless of their nationality, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and any other attributes or conventional values. Sumitomo Corporation received the Gold rating in recognition of its comprehensive LGBTQ+-related measures that are being continuously implemented as part of its initiatives to promote DE&I.
The major LGBTQ+-related initiatives implemented by Sumitomo Corporation to date are as the following.
| Evaluation indicators that comprise the PRIDE Index | Initiatives |
|---|---|
| 1．Policy： Declaration of actions | ・Formulation of the Global HR Management Policy ・Setting of the medium-term goals for enhancing sustainability management (Creation of an organization where diversity is respected) |
| 2．Representation： Community for LGBTQ+ people | ・Clarification of the consultation desk (SCG Counselling Center as well as consultation desk about harassment and support systems) ・Distribution of tools for employees to be an ”Ally”*1 |
| 3．Inspiration： Awareness-raising activities | ・In-house seminars and e-learning for all employees ・Regular dispatch of related information via in-house communication ・Organization of annual “Diversity weeks” to hold DE&I-related programs intensively during the period, including organizing a panel discussion event by inviting LGBTQ+ people |
| 4．Development： Personnel systems and programs | ・Application of benefit programs and personnel systems to same-sex partners ・Supporting employees undergoing gender reassignment surgery and hormone treatment to continue to work ・Addition of “Other” in the gender section on the entry sheet for employment ・Formulation of guidelines for transgender/nonbinary people ・Allowing the use of a name other than legal name in business ・Making the restrooms on each floor available for everyone regardless of gender to use as “universal restrooms” ・Formulation of guidelines on so-called SOGI harassment*2 |
| 5．Engagement/Empowerment: Social contribution and public relations | ・Participation in a joint briefing session on employment (DIVERSITY CAREER FORUM held by the NPO “ReBit”) ・Provision of information about LGBTQ+-related external events ・Co-organization of events on diversity and inclusive society in which people can participate both from within and outside the company |
- ”Ally”：here refers to a person who empathizes with and supports LGBTQ+ people. Anyone, including LGBTQ+ people themselves, can be an LGBTQ+ ally.
- SOGI harassment：SOGI harassment means harassment and discriminative speech and behaviors related to people’s sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI).
Sumitomo Corporation will continue to strive for the elimination of all barriers against DE&I to provide workplaces where all employees can be themselves and demonstrate their abilities to the fullest.
