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Japanese employers most friendly toward lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) workers were honored at the Pride Index Report awards ceremony, the first of its kind in the country.
Following in the footsteps of established surveys in Britain, the United States and Australia, the Pride Index Report commends companies and organizations that take measures to provide an inclusive working environment for sexual minorities.
It is intended as a benchmarking tool on corporate practices, policies and efforts to create an LGBT-inclusive workplace.
The index was compiled in June by Work with Pride, a private group set up in collaboration with the nonprofit, nongovernmental organization Human Rights Watch, IBM Japan Ltd., and two supporting groups.
Of 82 companies and groups that applied to be assessed, 53 received the top gold rating at the event on Oct. 26.
All those in the index were given the use of logos to promote their LGBT-friendly company status.
The best-performing entrants included big names in the communications, financial and manufacturing industries.
Among them was Sony Corp., which was highlighted for its equal treatment policy for employees in same-sex and heterosexual partnerships or marriages.
The policy provides a “separation allowance” for workers who are transferred to locations far away from their families to compensate for extra living expenses caused by the transfer, grant money for baby-sitting expenses, and a nursing-care system.
Nomura Securities Co., which guards against discrimination in its new graduate recruitment process, was recognized for its efforts.
Omron Corp, which abolished its employee code management system that categorizes staff by sex, was also commended.
The organizations were judged on criteria in five categories: policy; representation; inspiration; development; and engagement/empowerment.
In the policy category, companies were assessed on whether they declare their policy that they shall not discriminate against employees based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
In the representation category, whether employers offer opportunities for employees to express ideas to the company, exchange opinions with each other regarding sexual minority-related matters, and provide counseling and consultations services was considered.
And in the development category, companies were graded on whether they had devised frameworks for personnel systems that support employees in same-sex partnerships and their families, as well as support systems for transgender employees.
(THE ASAHI SHIMBUN)
