FANCL Group Achieves Remarkable Recognition in LGBTQ+ Inclusivity
FANCL Group has recently made headlines by receiving the prestigious Gold Award in the "PRIDE Index 2025" for an impressive fourth consecutive year. This accolade was announced during the "work with Pride 2025" conference, held on November 14th. The PRIDE Index serves as a comprehensive evaluation metric developed by the voluntary organization "work with Pride," aimed at fostering a work environment in Japan that is conducive to LGBTQ+ individuals.
Established in 2016, the PRIDE Index is the first of its kind in Japan, assessing corporate initiatives related to LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the workplace. The index employs five key criteria to evaluate companies' policies towards LGBTQ+ employees, ultimately categorizing them into three levels: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. FANCL Group’s exceptional performance across all criteria has rightfully earned it the Gold Award once again.
Breakdown of FANCL’s Recognition Across the Indicators
Policy (Action Declaration)
FANCL Group clearly articulates its commitment to "Diversity & Inclusion" on its corporate website, outlining its dedication to creating a supportive environment for all employees, regardless of their sexual orientation. The company also includes specific guidelines for its partners, emphasizing human rights respect and the prohibition of all forms of discrimination. Additionally, leadership has made public statements supporting LGBTQ+ rights, reinforcing their commitment to inclusivity.
Representation (Community Inclusion)
Since launching the "LGBTQ+ Ally" initiative in April 2022, FANCL has brought together 376 employees who identify as allies, aiming to support and understand LGBTQ+ individuals better. The company has established a dedicated consultation service on its intranet, staffed by ally members from HR to ensure confidential support. Furthermore, they've created a bulletin board for free dialogue and support while implementing rules to prevent any form of harassment or outing.
Inspiration (Awareness Activities)
FANCL promotes awareness through diversity and inclusion training sessions for both new hires and existing employees, enhancing understanding of LGBTQ+ issues. The company has designated June as PRIDE Month, organizing external event participation and internal film screenings to foster awareness and camaraderie among employees.
Development (HR Systems and Programs)
In April 2022, FANCL introduced a "Partnership Regulation" that applies various employee benefits—such as parental leave and condolence payments—to partnerships similar to those granted to legally married couples. Additionally, employees can opt to use their chosen names in internal communications and personnel matters, regardless of their assigned gender at birth, promoting a more inclusive workplace.
Engagement/Empowerment (Social Contribution Activities)
FANCL Group actively participates in community engagement, with representatives attending events like the Tokyo Pride 2025 alongside its partners, Kirin Holdings and Kyowa Kirin. They also contribute to educational programs, such as the "FANCL Kanagawa SDGs Course," focusing on diversity and inclusion to cultivate understanding among students.
Conclusion
FANCL Group's achievement in the PRIDE Index 2025 highlights its unwavering commitment to create an inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ individuals. By continuously refining policies and practices across various aspects of employment, they set a benchmark for corporate responsibility regarding diversity and social equity. This recognition not only celebrates their efforts but also serves as an inspiration for other organizations in Japan and beyond, encouraging a progressive and inclusive corporate culture.