Pal Line Achieves Dual Award for Excellence in Disability Employment

Pal Line Inc., a logistics subsidiary of the Pal System Group headquartered in Koto, Tokyo, recently received prestigious recognition at the 2023 'Excellence in Disability Employment' ceremony. The Sagami Seika Center located in Aiko-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture, along with its staff member, was awarded the Director's Effort Award from the Japan Organization for Employment of the Elderly, Persons with Disabilities and Job Seekers. The award ceremony took place on September 1st at the Hamagin Hall in Yokohama. Center director Yasushi Morimoto and staff member Yuki Ohashi were present to accept the honors.

Commitment to Individual Aptitudes

The 'Excellence in Disability Employment' award aims to celebrate organizations that actively promote the employment of persons with disabilities as well as recognize those outstanding employees who demonstrate exemplary long-term dedication to their jobs. The Sagami Seika Center has made notable strides in this area, boasting a disability employment rate of 10.56%, significantly above the legal minimum of 2.5%. Among the 13 employees with disabilities at the center, eight have been part of the team for over a decade as of June 1, 2025.

The center employs two job coaches who work closely with support organizations, offering regular consultations to monitor daily operations and ensure a supportive work environment, thus facilitating employee retention. Prior to employment, consultations include gathering the individual’s needs and considerations, along with practical assessments during workplace tours and trials to ensure a mutual fit for job assignments.

To monitor the daily health and emotional state of employees, attendance records and wellness checklists are utilized. This practice empowers even those who may struggle with communication to address concerns and frustrations, playing a pivotal role in the retention of employees with disabilities.

Recognition for Outstanding Work Ethic

Yuki Ohashi, honored as an exemplary employee, is responsible for tasks surrounding the automatic sorting machines for root vegetables. She has bravely taken on complex tasks, including troubleshooting equipment and managing operational duties in the absence of the primary supervisor. Ohashi demonstrates remarkable self-management and physical training to handle the demanding work involved in sorting heavy vegetables. She has maintained an excellent attendance record since she first began commuting from her remote home in 2012, exhibiting minimal tardiness or absences due to personal reasons.

In times of staff shortages, Ohashi willingly steps in to assist colleagues, further establishing herself as a reliable team member. She actively offers support and guidance to newcomers and interns who may need help, embodying the characteristics of an exemplary role model in the workplace.

In her words, "Upon receiving this award, I felt immense gratitude towards my parents, who encouraged my path to joining Pal Line. I want to express my appreciation to my colleagues who have consistently supported me, both during working hours and beyond.”

Director Morimoto shared, "It was particularly touching to see Ohashi’s parents beaming with pride upon her recognition. We don’t usually provide special treatment, but our goal remains clear: to ensure everyone can continue to work safely and energetically at Pal Line. We will continue our support in the future."

Building a Long-Term Secure Work Environment

At Pal Line, approximately 80 employees with disabilities are thriving in product set centers and logistics operations. Since 2021, the introduction of workplace adaptation supporters, known as 'Job Coaches,' has intensified focus on employee retention, with 18 job coaches dedicated to this cause. Additionally, over 180 employees have successfully completed the internal qualifications of 'Job Supporters,' forming a comprehensive support system for employees with disabilities, ensuring a conducive work environment.

Fostering Inclusive Employment Opportunities

Pal Line is dedicated to the philosophy of social inclusion in employment. The company not only employs individuals with disabilities but also welcomes long-term unemployed and those facing financial hardship. By fostering awareness and understanding throughout the workplace, Pal Line supports retention efforts for this diverse group of employees.

The Pal System Group is committed to creating an inclusive environment where individuals from various backgrounds can support one another, helping everyone thrive in the workplace.

About Pal Line Inc.

- Location: 1-4-9 Chisato, Koto, Tokyo
- CEO: Hiroshi Yokoyama
- Revenue: 11.75 billion yen
- Employee Count: 3,388
- Capital: 950 million yen (as of March 2025)
- Website: Pal Line Website

About Pal System Cooperative Federation

- Location: 2-2-6 Okubo, Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Chairman: Atsuyuki Shibusawa
- Total Business Volume: 260.42 billion yen / Total Members: 1.762 million (as of March 2025)
- Members Include: Pal System Tokyo, Pal System Kanagawa, Pal System Chiba, etc.
- Website: Pal System Website