Mercer and Lightworks Launch HR Leaders' Academy Phase 3 to Enhance Next-Gen Leaders

HR Leaders' Academy Phase 3: A Step Towards the Future

In June 2026, the highly anticipated third phase of the HR Leaders' Academy will commence, co-developed by Mercer, a global leader in human resources, and Lightworks, a frontrunner in cloud-based learning management systems. As Japanese companies accelerate their transition to human capital management and job-based employment, this initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders.

The Need for Strategic HR

In a business landscape characterized by rapid changes and heightened expectations for HR departments, the need for strategic human resources has never been more critical. HR professionals today are required to possess advanced expertise to successfully execute strategies. However, many HR personnel face challenges such as a lack of specialized knowledge and unclear career paths. To address these issues, Mercer Japan and Lightworks have jointly developed a practical learning program, leveraging both global insights and the latest technology. The Academy has already received commendations from numerous HR leaders in major companies.

Six Key Features of the HR Leaders' Academy

The Academy provides more than just knowledge acquisition; it fosters an environment for raising perspectives, networking, and obtaining certifications:

1. Comprehensive HR Knowledge: The Academy covers essential areas for HR professionals, including HR strategy, system concepts, talent management, performance management, and compensation management.

2. Experienced Instructors: Lectures by Mercer consultants serve as the educational material, offering practical content based on real-world consulting projects, unlike any other educational program.

3. Engaging Learning Structure: The learning content is delivered through easy-to-understand videos featuring instructors and narrators. Key questions and assessment tests after each module help reinforce the learning experience.

4. Community Learning: The program consists of e-learning content and live hybrid events, enhancing comprehension and retention while providing networking opportunities for participants.

5. Visualization of Required Skills: Utilizing Mercer’s global job competency dictionary, the Academy visualizes the skills necessary for HR professionals through the LMS feature of CAREERSHIP, allowing participants to recognize their skill development needs.

6. Certification Opportunities: After completing the program, participants can take the exam to receive the Human Resource Professional Certification Essential, a credential beneficial for their careers. The certification will be issued in the form of an Open Badge, an online proof of acquired knowledge and skills.

Voices from Previous Participants

Feedback from past cohorts (Phase 1 and 2) highlights the value of the program:

- "Learning the systematic frameworks of HR enabled me to approach my company's challenges from a management perspective" (HR Manager from a Manufacturing Company).
- "Engaging in discussions with HR executives from other companies was enlightening and elevated my perspective" (HR Director from an IT Company).

Upcoming Third Phase Details

- Duration: June 2026 to December 2026
- Content: Materials in e-learning format and hybrid live events in Tokyo
- Eligibility: Individuals involved in HR operations aiming to become HR professionals (individual applications are generally not accepted)
- Fee: Approximately 320,000 yen per person (excl. tax, including exam fees)
- Application Period: From January 13, 2026, to March 25, 2026

For more details and to apply, please visit: HR Leaders' Academy.

Webinar Announcement

Ahead of the program launch, a free webinar will be held to discuss necessary skills for HR transformation and career development, along with details of the HR Leaders' Academy program:

- Title: Skills Required for Strategic HR During Transformative Times: Introduction to the Next-Gen Leaders' Program
- Date and Time: February 19, 2026, 11:00 AM – 11:40 AM (online via Zoom)
- Fee: Free of charge
- Target Audience: HR and talent development professionals from companies
- Speaker: Naohiro Maekawa, Senior Principal at Mercer Japan, specializing in organizational and HR transformation

For further details, please visit: Webinar Registration.

About Mercer

Mercer, a business of Marsh (NYSE: MRSH), is a global leader in supporting clients’ investment goals, shaping the future of work, enhancing employee well-being, and improving post-retirement quality of life.