POLA Achieves Platinum Certification for Women's Empowerment Initiatives

POLA Earns Platinum Certification for Women's Empowerment

In a significant milestone for corporate gender equality, POLA, a leading cosmetics company based in Shinagawa, Tokyo, has achieved the prestigious "Platinum Certification" for Women's Empowerment. This certification, awarded by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, was granted on March 11, recognizing the company's exceptional efforts in promoting women's active participation and leadership within the workplace.

What is the Platinum Certification?

The Platinum Certification is part of Japan's Women's Empowerment Promotion Law, designed to recognize companies that meet high standards of gender equality practices. To earn this certification, companies must not only fulfill their self-set action plans but also demonstrate superior performance in key areas related to women’s empowerment. POLA previously earned the third level of the "Eruboshi Certification" in July 2022. With this latest certification, POLA has proven that it meets even higher standards than its previous achievements.

POLA's Commitment to Women's Empowerment

POLA has made significant strides in promoting women within its workforce. According to data from April 2025, women represent approximately 76% of the company’s total employees, with a remarkable 35.6% serving in management positions and 12.5% in executive roles. This emphasis on female representation is complemented by a variety of initiatives aimed at fostering the careers and personal development of female employees.

Enhancing Career Opportunities and Management Roles

POLA is committed to creating a workplace that supports women’s career growth. Between measures like promoting capable women to management positions and reforming evaluation criteria to ensure fairness, POLA has implemented numerous programs aimed at enhancing opportunities for women. Initiatives to encourage connections among women working in the community, as well as career-building workshops, are also a vital part of their strategy.

Support for Childcare and Family

POLA's benefits extend into areas such as childcare, with male employees achieving a remarkable leave rate of approximately 183% and female employees taking 100% of their entitled maternity leave. The average duration of maternity leave among women stands at 337 days, reflecting the company's strong support for parents in balancing work and family life. POLA also promotes sharing experiences through interviews of employees who have undergone maternity leave, further supporting a nurturing work environment.

Initiatives for Caregiving

Caregiving support at POLA includes flexible options for employees needing time off or reduced hours for caregiving responsibilities. The company offers supplementary assistance for caregiving services and helps employees maintain social security during caregiving leave.

Health Support Programs

In addition to robust maternity and caregiving policies, POLA is dedicated to health and wellness. The company provides benefits for fertility treatments, egg freezing, and support for menopause-related issues. Moreover, POLA has implemented a "Cancer Coexistence Program" to assist employees who are battling cancer in managing their work alongside treatment.

Flexible Work Arrangements

Recognizing the importance of work-life balance, POLA has introduced flexible work arrangements, allowing employees to choose between various work hours (6 hours, 7 hours, or full time) on a monthly basis. With a hybrid work model that includes both in-office and remote work, POLA creates an adaptable work environment that caters to the needs of its workforce.

In conclusion, POLA's achievement of the Platinum Certification for Women's Empowerment is not only a testament to its commitment to gender equality but also sets an inspiring example for other companies committed to fostering an inclusive work environment. By continuing to innovate and improve its practices, POLA is paving the way for greater gender equality in the corporate sector.