NEWS

KITZ Corporation (hereafter “KITZ”) was awarded its first Gold rating in “PRIDE Index 2024”, an index that evaluates corporations’ efforts for sexual minorities (hereafter “LGBTQ+”).

KITZ’s Efforts for DE＆I
Since 2015, diversity and inclusion have been one of our key management strategies. We are pursuing to improve “Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I)” in the workplace to achieve our Long-term Management Vision “Beyond New Heights 2030 – Change the Flow.” One of the key challenges in DE&I is raising awareness of LGBTQ+ issues, aiming to be a company that delivers growth through diversity and allows employees to be their authentic selves at work.

Our Initiatives
・Revision of HR system and internal rules (including the adoption of a same-sex partnership system*)
・Guidelines for supporting LGBTQ+
・Support for organizations and campaigns seeking LGBTQ+ legislation
・Featured DE&I webpage on the intranet portal
・Rainbow Month (every June)
・Internal helpline for issues concerning sexual/gender diversity

*The ‘Same-Sex Partnership System’ recognizes couples listed as same-sex on their koseki (family registry) as equivalent to married pairs, granting them the same benefits and regulations as spouses. This led to a revamp of our rules and welfare benefits, including those for employment, transfer, and benefits around celebration and condolence. Additionally, we expanded the scope of accumulated paid leave usage to cover not only personal illness or maternity but also gender reassignment surgery and hormone therapy.

What is “Pride Index”?
It was established in 2016 by “Work with Pride”, a private organization. It is the first index in Japan that assesses corporations’ LGBTQ+ initiatives in 5 categories: Policy – Action Declaration, Representation – LGBTQ+ network, Inspiration – Raising Awareness, Development – Human Resources Management and Programs, Engagement / Empowerment – Social Contribution and External Activities. Companies are awarded GOLD, SILVER, and BRONZE ratings based on their points.