#Japan #Aflac #Tokyo #Hitachi #GlobalLogic

Introduction

Aflac, a prominent life insurance company, in collaboration with Hitachi and GlobalLogic, has completed the effect verification of their workplace cancer ecosystem for approximately 3,000 of Hitachi's employees. By addressing social challenges surrounding cancer, these companies aim to provide comprehensive support not only to employees but also to their families. This initiative, known as the workplace cancer ecosystem, includes a program focused on employee awareness and preparedness regarding cancer.

The Program Overview

The verification program targeted three key areas: increasing opportunities for cancer awareness, promoting cancer screenings, and encouraging consultations on cancer insurance. The collaboration leveraged Aflac's extensive knowledge of cancer from the insurance perspective, GlobalLogic's design thinking approach to problem-solving, and Hitachi's expertise in social innovation.

Interviews and workshops involving employees with cancer experiences were conducted to develop effective mechanisms for workplace support and to stimulate behavioral changes among employees. The results were promising, revealing that around 70% of participants expressed a positive willingness towards undergoing cancer screenings, along with an increase in insurance consultation consultations.

Addressing Societal Challenges

In Japan, the likelihood of being diagnosed with cancer during a lifetime is approximately one in two, with about 30% of new cases involving working-age individuals (20-64 years old). Despite the increasing need for workplace support systems addressing these issues, significant barriers exist concerning employee awareness and acceptance of such measures. The companies recognize that addressing cancer is a societal challenge that also directly impacts human capital and health management in businesses.

To effectively tackle these challenges, organizations must implement integrated approaches for educating and raising awareness among employees. The collaboration among Aflac, Hitachi, and GlobalLogic aims to bring about substantial changes in cancer prevention and support within workplaces.

Previous Initiatives

Since December 2022, these companies have been working on constructing a workplace cancer ecosystem by providing comprehensive and long-term support for Hitachi's employees and their families. They have been investigating strategic directions and initiative ideas for employee support concerning cancer prevention and treatment. The research identified low awareness of existing healthcare initiatives as a challenge, particularly among the younger demographic, who may not consider cancer screenings as necessary. Additionally, limited touchpoints between employees and company-affiliated insurance agents were noted.

In September 2023, the three companies began to concretely implement their initiative ideas focused on enhancing well-being in the workplace, where Aflac's lengthy experience with cancer insurance and GlobalLogic's design thinking capabilities combined with Hitachi's social innovation expertise were instrumental in shaping these ideas.

Verification Details

From April to November 2025, the effect verification program was executed among about 3,000 Hitachi employees. The primary goal was to assess the effectiveness of the cancer awareness and preparedness program. The initiatives aimed to expand the frequency of opportunities for cancer awareness, screenings, and insurance consultations. Specific strategies were developed based on behavioral design techniques recommended by GlobalLogic, focusing on naturally encouraging positive behaviors among employees.

One notable improvement involved transforming the outreach methods for cancer seminars held by Hitachi's insurance agency. Following changes, around a 20% increase in seminar recognition was observed, with approximately 70% of participants indicating an increased intention to pursue cancer screenings.

Furthermore, the increased engagement in insurance consultations was directly correlated with participation in the seminars, demonstrating a successful outcome in expanding awareness regarding cancer insurance.

Future Prospects

Leveraging the findings from this verification, Aflac plans to further enhance its workplace cancer ecosystem initiative focusing on cancer awareness and preparedness. The ultimate goal remains to advance workplace well-being, with plans to continue developing a comprehensive platform to support these initiatives. Similarly, Hitachi will be looking into applying the successful aspects of this verification across the entire Hitachi Group to promote human capital and health management, especially in understanding cancer better.

About the Companies

Aflac is dedicated to alleviating the financial burdens faced by those suffering from cancer. Since its establishment in 1974, it has been pioneering cancer insurance in Japan, consistently creating shared value through its corporate philosophy. Hitachi leverages IT, operational technology, and products to contribute towards a harmonious society through its social innovation initiatives. As a leader in digital engineering, GlobalLogic supports companies worldwide in creating innovative products and experiences. Their combined efforts aim for a future where workplace well-being is a priority.

For more information, visit: Aflac | Hitachi | GlobalLogic