Kitamura and Corner Corporation Launch DE&I and Women's Empowerment Project

In a significant move to enhance workplace diversity and support women's careers, Camera Kitamura, managed by Kitamura Corporation, has collaborated with Corner Corporation to launch a new DE&I (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) project aimed at promoting women's empowerment. This initiative is designed to create a sustainable working environment where female employees can thrive and continue contributing to the company's long-term growth.

Background of the Initiative

Kitamura has long embraced the theme of cultivating an organization where diverse talent can flourish. As their operations include services like the children’s photography studio, Studio Mario, which is predominantly led by women, the company recognizes that long-term commitment from female employees directly influences the quality of their services. This realization propelled them to kickstart the Women Empowerment Project in the autumn of 2024. To ensure the efficacy of this initial undertaking, Kitamura formed a cross-functional team that includes external HR professionals from the very outset.

Key Achievements and Points of Focus

Visualization of Challenges through Data

One of the cornerstones of this initiative is utilizing data to identify and visualize the challenges faced by employees. An extensive company-wide survey was undertaken, which highlighted areas of concern specific to both store and headquarters staff. Collaborating with external professionals, Kitamura engaged in a thorough process that encompassed data analysis, insights generation, and actionable strategy development.

Implementation of Practical Approaches

To adapt to the needs of employees at different levels, the project took a nuanced approach tailored to various environments. At the store level, policy reviews regarding relocation and leave systems were undertaken to accommodate life events, thus promoting a flexible working style. Meanwhile, at the headquarters, efforts were concentrated on reassessing processes and fostering a culture that encourages continuous employee engagement and growth through changes in management mindset.

Establishing a Collaborative Promotion System

A significant aspect of the DE&I initiative is the establishment of a collaborative framework between external HR professionals and internal HR departments. By setting up a working group involving on-ground employees, Kitamura ensured that adequate discussion and agreement are reached with management. This collaborative process has helped forge a cohesive strategy that unites management, HR, operational staff, and external consultants into a committed collective for promoting an inclusive workplace.

Voices Behind the Project

We spoke with Ms. Misuzu Kubo, the Manager of the Women's Empowerment Project at Kitamura Corporation, and Ms. Reiko Ouchi, a parallel worker involved in this initiative. They shared insights on the importance of a supportive environment for women's career longevity and the transformative impact of collective efforts in organizational change.

About Corner Corporation

Founded in August 2016 by Takahiro Monma, Corner Corporation operates on the principle of 'Changing HR, Changing Organizations, Changing the World.' The company specializes in providing tailored solutions in HR, ESG domains, recruitment, labor relations, program design, and organizational development, connecting businesses facing diverse challenges with competent parallel workers. With over 10,000 registered consultants to date, Corner is committed to empowering organizations through effective collaborative support.

For consultation on HR challenges or inquiries about working as a parallel HR professional, please reach out to our dedicated consultants.