LOTTE's Commitment to DEI: Celebrating International Women's Day 2023
On March 8, International Women's Day, LOTTE Co., Ltd. (based in Shinjuku, Tokyo) introduced several initiatives aimed at promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Under the leadership of President Hideki Nakajima, LOTTE emphasizes that the sustainable growth of a company lies in leveraging diverse talents who can thrive authentically. The company aims to foster an environment where everyone can shine by trusting each other and valuing different perspectives.
To mark International Women’s Day, President Hideki Nakajima issued a heartfelt message to all employees. He asserted that the key to innovation is a collaborative exchange among colleagues with various backgrounds and views, transcending gender norms. This initiative is not just a symbolic gesture; it reinforces LOTTE's commitment to building a work culture where each person can express their true selves and contribute effectively to the organization.
In a bid to inspire employees, LOTTE released a special interview video featuring Yumiko Hirai, an outside auditor for Lion Corporation. The video focuses on forming careers and leadership without constraints of gender. Based on her extensive experience, Hirai shares insights on how to forge a unique career path and cultivate an organizational culture that embraces diverse values. The goal of this initiative is to instill a mindset in all employees, encouraging them to believe in their potential and strive for excellence, irrespective of gender identities.
LOTTE has continued and deepened its 'LOTTE COLORFUL PROJECT', dedicated to promoting DEI within the company. This initiative aims to create an environment where everyone can thrive, conducting seminars, events, and internal communication projects that broaden the theme from merely advancing women’s participation to embracing diverse contributions regardless of gender. Efforts to dismantle unconscious biases are also a focal point of this project, symbolized by a logo reflecting the corporate motto 'The Partner of Your Mouth', featuring a heart shape filled with various graphics representing individuality and the importance of mutual recognition.
LOTTE is committed to creating a supportive environment for all employees, irrespective of gender, facilitating a work-life balance especially for those managing childcare or eldercare responsibilities.
LOTTE ensures that employees can transition smoothly to maternity leave and return to work after childbirth. Managers utilize a 'Maternity and Childcare Interview Sheet' to monitor the health and handover of duties. The company fosters open communication for colleagues expecting a child, ensuring a supportive network is in place during this significant life event.
To assist employees who are also parents, LOTTE has established on-site childcare facilities at its Urawa and Sayama plants. The company hosts workshops for returning employees that include supervisors and lunch sessions for parents to strengthen a supportive network and foster a communal mindset. Additionally, LOTTE emphasizes male involvement in childcare by promoting parental leave and organizing training sessions that raise awareness of the importance of shared responsibilities.
Recognizing the challenges faced by employees who are caregivers, LOTTE provides support programs that allow them to manage caregiving alongside their professional responsibilities. Employees have access to external advice from caregiving professionals and a website featuring resources and information on caregiving services.
As part of its DEI initiatives, LOTTE actively promotes the employment of individuals with disabilities, striving to exceed legal employment rates. The company is improving workplace accessibility with modifications such as restroom renovations and removal of barriers, ensuring a comfortable work environment for all. Additionally, training programs for HR personnel focus on fostering understanding and inclusivity regarding disability issues.
LOTTE's human rights policy explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. Initiatives that support the LGBTQ+ community have been implemented, including allowing same-sex partners to be included in the definition of 'spouse' for benefits starting in 2024. These efforts have earned LOTTE a prestigious 'Gold' rating in the PRIDE Index 2025, recognizing its commitment to fostering LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace.
LOTTE has launched several initiatives to promote individuality and open communication within the workplace:
Employees, regardless of rank, are encouraged to address each other with respect, using honorifics such as 'san'. This practice nurtures a sense of unity and openness, making it easier for all employees to express their opinions freely.
Recognizing the diversity of its workforce, LOTTE has revised its dress code to allow for casual attire as per the occasion. This policy aims to cultivate flexibility in thought and enhance communication among employees.
LOTTE Group remains committed to ensuring a work environment where all employees can thrive authentically, fostering innovation, and contributing to a more inclusive society.
Top Message from Leadership
To mark International Women’s Day, President Hideki Nakajima issued a heartfelt message to all employees. He asserted that the key to innovation is a collaborative exchange among colleagues with various backgrounds and views, transcending gender norms. This initiative is not just a symbolic gesture; it reinforces LOTTE's commitment to building a work culture where each person can express their true selves and contribute effectively to the organization.
Special Interview Video Featuring Yumiko Hirai
In a bid to inspire employees, LOTTE released a special interview video featuring Yumiko Hirai, an outside auditor for Lion Corporation. The video focuses on forming careers and leadership without constraints of gender. Based on her extensive experience, Hirai shares insights on how to forge a unique career path and cultivate an organizational culture that embraces diverse values. The goal of this initiative is to instill a mindset in all employees, encouraging them to believe in their potential and strive for excellence, irrespective of gender identities.
LOTTE COLORFUL PROJECT
LOTTE has continued and deepened its 'LOTTE COLORFUL PROJECT', dedicated to promoting DEI within the company. This initiative aims to create an environment where everyone can thrive, conducting seminars, events, and internal communication projects that broaden the theme from merely advancing women’s participation to embracing diverse contributions regardless of gender. Efforts to dismantle unconscious biases are also a focal point of this project, symbolized by a logo reflecting the corporate motto 'The Partner of Your Mouth', featuring a heart shape filled with various graphics representing individuality and the importance of mutual recognition.
Supporting Work-Life Balance for Caregivers
LOTTE is committed to creating a supportive environment for all employees, irrespective of gender, facilitating a work-life balance especially for those managing childcare or eldercare responsibilities.
Maternity Support
LOTTE ensures that employees can transition smoothly to maternity leave and return to work after childbirth. Managers utilize a 'Maternity and Childcare Interview Sheet' to monitor the health and handover of duties. The company fosters open communication for colleagues expecting a child, ensuring a supportive network is in place during this significant life event.
Childcare Support
To assist employees who are also parents, LOTTE has established on-site childcare facilities at its Urawa and Sayama plants. The company hosts workshops for returning employees that include supervisors and lunch sessions for parents to strengthen a supportive network and foster a communal mindset. Additionally, LOTTE emphasizes male involvement in childcare by promoting parental leave and organizing training sessions that raise awareness of the importance of shared responsibilities.
Caregiver Support
Recognizing the challenges faced by employees who are caregivers, LOTTE provides support programs that allow them to manage caregiving alongside their professional responsibilities. Employees have access to external advice from caregiving professionals and a website featuring resources and information on caregiving services.
Promoting Employment for Individuals with Disabilities
As part of its DEI initiatives, LOTTE actively promotes the employment of individuals with disabilities, striving to exceed legal employment rates. The company is improving workplace accessibility with modifications such as restroom renovations and removal of barriers, ensuring a comfortable work environment for all. Additionally, training programs for HR personnel focus on fostering understanding and inclusivity regarding disability issues.
LGBTQ+ Inclusion Efforts
LOTTE's human rights policy explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. Initiatives that support the LGBTQ+ community have been implemented, including allowing same-sex partners to be included in the definition of 'spouse' for benefits starting in 2024. These efforts have earned LOTTE a prestigious 'Gold' rating in the PRIDE Index 2025, recognizing its commitment to fostering LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace.
Encourage Individuality in the Workplace
LOTTE has launched several initiatives to promote individuality and open communication within the workplace:
Addressing Colleagues by Name
Employees, regardless of rank, are encouraged to address each other with respect, using honorifics such as 'san'. This practice nurtures a sense of unity and openness, making it easier for all employees to express their opinions freely.
Dress Code Flexibility
Recognizing the diversity of its workforce, LOTTE has revised its dress code to allow for casual attire as per the occasion. This policy aims to cultivate flexibility in thought and enhance communication among employees.
LOTTE Group remains committed to ensuring a work environment where all employees can thrive authentically, fostering innovation, and contributing to a more inclusive society.
Topics People & Culture）
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