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EY Japan's Commitment to LGBTQ+ Inclusion

EY Japan, led by CEO Yoshitomo Kitada, has recently achieved remarkable recognition in its commitment to workplace inclusivity for LGBTQ+ individuals. For the ninth consecutive year, the firm secured the highest level of approval, the Gold certification, from the PRIDE Index, an evaluation tool for organizations promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace. Additionally, EY Japan has been honored with the Rainbow recognition for five years running, which acknowledges collaborative efforts across sectors.

The recent awards stem from EY Japan's strict adherence to global anti-discrimination policies and its establishment of equitable systems for employees, treating same-sex partners on par with spouses in terms of parental leave, caregiving leave, and bereavement benefits. Furthermore, their internal community, known as 'Unity,' comprises both LGBTQ+ individuals and allies who actively engage in educational initiatives, enhancing awareness surrounding LGBTQ+ issues.

Particularly noteworthy is the Rainbow recognition, which highlights EY Japan’s promotion of 'Collective Impact'—a framework advocating for social change through cross-sector collaboration. In 2022, the firm joined the 'Pride Action 30' initiative, gathering actionable strategies to support LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace. Also, in June, EY participated in a consortium advertising campaign in newspapers, showcasing its ongoing commitment to inclusivity.

The firm has successfully launched internal campaigns and has fostered a diverse spectrum of employees, including interns, who engaged in various actions aimed at broadening the inclusivity circle across generations and job roles.

Initiatives in the Sports Sector

Moreover, EY Japan is collaborating with organizations such as the Pride House Tokyo NPO, Work With Pride, and the Japanese Olympic Committee to develop a sports-specific version of the PRIDE Index. This initiative aims to advance LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the sports arena, where, although there has been notable progress—with the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics expected to feature the highest number of LGBTQ+ athletes to date—there still exists a concerning absence of commitments from Japanese athletes to participate.

In response to this situation, EY aims to provide assistance in creating an environment conducive to participation for all members of the sports community—athletes, teams, and organizations alike. Initial surveys targeting sports governing bodies have commenced, and consultations with experts and stakeholders are in progress to establish effective operational strategies. By 2026, EY Japan plans to offer supportive resources for multiple sports associations, ensuring comprehensive implementation.

The Vision Behind EY's Commitment

EY stands for Ernst & Young Global Limited and is part of a global network of member firms, each independently operated. The firm’s overarching goal is to create new value for clients, members, society, and the planet, establishing trust in capital markets and striving for a better societal impact. Leveraging data, AI, and advanced technologies, EY teams assist clients in confidently shaping their futures and identifying solutions to immediate challenges.

EY's areas of expertise encompass assurance, consulting, taxation, strategy, and transactions. Supported by a wealth of industry insight and a network that spans across over 150 countries and regions, EY is dedicated to delivering exceptional service in various fields.

In conclusion, EY Japan’s continued recognition in LGBTQ+ inclusion and its proactive efforts in creating a supportive environment underscore its commitment to progressive workplace practices and social change, exemplifying the belief that inclusivity fosters stronger organizations and a more equitable society.