#Japan #Tokyo #LGBTQ+ #Lifenet #PRIDE

Lifenet Insurance Receives 10-Year Gold Status for LGBTQ+ Efforts

Lifenet Insurance Corporation, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has achieved an impressive milestone by receiving the highest rating of "Gold" from the PRIDE Index for the tenth consecutive year. Organized by work with Pride (wwP), this recognition showcases the company's commitment to promoting a workplace that supports LGBTQ+ individuals and recognizes the significance of diversity in the workplace.

Understanding the PRIDE Index

The PRIDE Index was introduced in Japan in 2016 by work with Pride, aimed at evaluating corporate efforts towards creating an LGBTQ-friendly environment. Companies are assessed based on five criteria: Policy, Representation, Inspiration, Development, and Engagement/Empowerment. Points are awarded if specific requirements are met, leading to certification levels of Gold, Silver, or Bronze. Lifenet has consistently scored full points across all categories, making it the first life insurance company in Japan to achieve this milestone.

Key Initiatives Supporting LGBTQ+ Efforts

Lifenet's commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion is reflected in several key aspects:

1. Policy (Action Declaration)
Lifenet emphasizes diversity in its hiring manifesto, openly stating that it does not discriminate based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, or educational background. Furthermore, company regulations prohibit discriminatory behavior, including sexual harassment and power harassment.

2. Representation (Community Engagement)
The company has established a cross-department diversity team to enhance understanding of LGBTQ+ issues and has set up internal and external consultation channels for harassment-related concerns.

3. Inspiration (Awareness Activities)
Lifenet conducts training sessions led by external speakers to promote understanding of LGBTQ+ issues and societal changes. They also share LGBTQ+ news and initiatives through internal communication channels, ensuring continuous awareness among all employees.

4. Development (HR Policies and Programs)
Recruitment forms do not require gender identification, and employees can use a name corresponding to their identified gender. The company grants celebratory leave for same-sex partners and allows nursing leave for partners without documentation requirements, fostering inclusivity within family events.

5. Engagement/Empowerment (Social Contribution and External Activities)
The Rainbow Photo Project, which donates LGBTQ+ literature to schools and libraries and supports LGBTQ+ NGOs, exemplifies Lifenet's commitment to social contribution. Additionally, Lifenet participates in events such as Tokyo Pride 2025 to further advocate for diversity.

A Persistent Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Lifenet's CEO, Junpei Yokozawa, states that the company's guiding principle is to respect diversity and cooperate for adaptive change. This commitment is enshrined in the company's foundational documents, underscoring that fostering a culture valuing diverse perspectives is crucial.

The organization aims to create a society where future generations are nurtured with peace of mind, aligning with their long-term goals centered around diversity. The consistent achievement of the highest rating in the PRIDE Index reinforces the importance of these values in their operating procedures.

In conclusion, as Lifenet continues to embolden the recognition of individuality in various aspects, they reinforce their role as a leader in the life insurance industry and a champion for diversity, setting an example for others to follow.

About Work with Pride

Work with Pride (wwP) is an organization dedicated to promoting diversity management related to LGBTQ+ individuals in various organizations. They hold an annual conference aimed at human resources, human rights, and diversity personnel, running programs like the PRIDE Index and Rainbow Certification.

About Lifenet Insurance

Lifenet Insurance operates on the principle of honest management, providing clear, affordable, and convenient products and services that support customers' lives, which is encapsulated in their Corporate Manifesto. As a leading online life insurance provider, Lifenet leverages digital technology to pursue a society where future generations can be nurtured with security.