NEC Solutions Innovators Earns Gold Award for LGBTQ+ Inclusion for Four Consecutive Years

NEC Solutions Innovators Achieves Gold Status in LGBTQ+ Inclusion for Fourth Year

On November 14, NEC Solutions Innovators was honored to receive the highest accolade of the "Gold" rating by the work with Pride organization as part of the PRIDE Index 2025. This recognition marks the fourth consecutive year the company has attained this significant achievement.

Understanding the PRIDE Index

The PRIDE Index, established in 2016, is Japan's first evaluation indicator focusing on efforts made by organizations concerning LGBTQ+ inclusion and workplace environments for sexual minorities. It comprises five critical areas: Policy (action declaration), Representation (community involvement), Inspiration (awareness-raising initiatives), Development (human resource programs), and Engagement/Empowerment (social contribution and outreach activities). Organizations are evaluated against these criteria, receiving points based on their compliance, which determines their recognition as Gold, Silver, or Bronze.

To obtain a Gold rating, a company must meet the requirements across all five areas.

NEC's Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity

At NEC Solutions Innovators, inclusion and diversity are pivotal elements of the company's growth strategy. The organization actively works to create a workplace where all employees, regardless of age, nationality, religion, disabilities, gender identity, sexual orientation, or expression, can unleash their full potential.

1. Community Engagement

Employee-led initiatives foster communication and community activities related to LGBTQ+ and SOGI (sexual orientation and gender identity). These endeavors aim to broaden understanding and recognition of diverse identities, promoting the growth of allies within the organization.

2. Employee Awareness Programs

To create an environment where employees can leverage their unique strengths, NEC organizes various internal events and e-learning sessions in collaboration with external experts and allies. Annual training is provided for different groups, including management, HR recruiters, newcomers, and mid-career employees. Additionally, the company has developed a handbook that outlines foundational knowledge about LGBTQ+ issues and the importance of fostering diversity in the workplace.

3. Inclusive HR Policies

NEC has revised its employment contracts and associated policies to ensure that non-legal marriages, including same-sex partnerships, are treated on par with legal marriages. Employees can utilize documents, such as partnership certificates issued by local authorities or organizations, to formalize their partnerships. This policy allows employees in same-sex partnerships to access benefits equivalent to those of legally married couples, including marriage leave and family support allowances.

4. Health Screening Accessibility

The NEC group has designated medical facilities that cater to LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring that employees who wish to use these services can do so with confidence and support.

5. External Engagement Activities

Since 2022, NEC has participated as a sponsor in the Tokyo Rainbow Pride event, demonstrating strong support for LGBTQ+ rights. Employees and executives alike have actively joined pride parades, showcasing the company's commitment to advocacy and community engagement.

Furthermore, NEC endorses several initiatives as part of its corporate social responsibility:

- Advocating for legal equality in marriage (Business for Marriage Equality)
- Supporting the enactment of an LGBTQ+ equality law (Business Support for LGBT Equality in Japan)
- Engaging in discussions regarding the easing of requirements for the Gender Identity Disorder Special Law, facilitating legal recognition for transgender individuals who wish to change their registered gender (Business Support for Transgender Law Reform Discussion)

NEC Solutions Innovators continues to promote an organizational culture that respects and embraces the diverse identities and experiences of its employees, ensuring that personal values and deep-seated diversity are acknowledged. The company aims to achieve individual well-being while leveraging the diverse capabilities of its team members to drive innovation, business growth, and increased corporate value.

For further information on NEC's initiatives for inclusion and diversity, please visit NEC's Inclusion & Diversity page.