#Japan #Tokyo #Lightworks #Mercer Japan #HR Leaders Academy

New Launch of HR Leaders’ Academy

Lightworks and Mercer Japan are excited to announce the opening of the second phase of the HR Leaders’ Academy on October 8, 2025. This program is specifically designed for HR professionals aiming to develop their skills and careers in the human resources field.

Background of the HR Leaders’ Academy

In recent years, the strategic role of HR departments has garnered increased attention due to concepts like human capital management, job-based transitions, and reskilling. As businesses evolve, the need for strengthening HR functions becomes paramount to support sustainable corporate growth. However, research conducted by Lightworks and Mercer Japan revealed that many HR professionals express concerns about their personal development and career trajectories.

This prompted the launch of the HR Leaders’ Academy in February 2025, which welcomed 41 participants from 37 different organizations during its inaugural phase.

Key Motivations for Participants in Phase One

• - Enhance HR Expertise: Participants aimed to acquire essential skills necessary for deepening their HR expertise.
• - Build Networks: The desire to expand their HR network was a significant driver for many.
• - Gain Insights: Attendees sought to absorb trends directly from HR consultants.

Testimonials from Phase One Participants

Participants shared their feedback, highlighting the value of both lectures and discussions, praising the clarity of instructors' explanations, and appreciating the insights gained from the instructors' experiences, which greatly enriched their understanding of strategic HR practices.

Participating Companies in Phase One

Some of the prominent companies that participated include:

• - Anderson Mori & Tomotsune
• - SMBC Nikko Securities Inc.
• - Shionogi & Co., Ltd.
• - Dainippon Printing Co., Ltd.
• - Takamatsu Construction Group Co., Ltd.
• - Nisshinbo Holdings, Inc.
• - Tata Consultancy Services Japan, Ltd.
• - Fujiyakuhin Co., Ltd.
• - Resona Bank, Ltd.

Overview of HR Leaders’ Academy

The HR Leaders’ Academy is a comprehensive learning program that leverages Mercer’s extensive consulting and educational expertise in the HR domain, combined with Lightworks' integrated LMS, CAREERSHIP. This program is tailored to nurture future CHROs and senior HR leaders. By offering a rich array of e-learning materials and live events, it equips HR personnel with essential knowledge, skills, perspectives, and networking opportunities across organizations.

Six Key Points of the HR Leaders’ Academy

1. Comprehensive HR Knowledge: The program covers essential areas such as HR strategy, talent management, performance management, and reward management, ensuring participants strengthen their foundational HR knowledge.
2. Expert Instructors: Lectures are delivered by Mercer consultants who provide real-life case studies, making the curriculum practical and unique.
3. Engaging Learning Format: The instructional content is designed to be engaging, featuring clear explanations from instructors and presenters, alongside quizzes to reinforce learning.
4. Community Learning: The program fosters interaction through a mix of e-learning and live events, allowing participants to deepen their understanding and network with peers.
5. Skill Visibility: Participants can visualize necessary HR skills through the skill mapping function of the LMS, which is based on Mercer's global competency framework linked to approximately 2,000 job categories.
6. Certification: Upon completion, participants are eligible to take the HR Professional Certification examination, which certifies essential HR competencies. This certification will be available as a digital Open Badge for easy verification of skills.

HR Leaders’ Academy Phase Two Details

• - Duration: October 8, 2025 - March 11, 2026
• - Content:

- E-learning materials
- Hybrid live events (both in-person and online, with the venue in Tokyo)

• - Eligibility: Targeted towards HR department leaders or management level candidates, not open to individual applications or employees from consulting firms providing HR systems.
• - Cost: ¥320,000 (excluding tax) per participant
• - Registration Period: July 1, 2025 - August 8, 2025
• - More Information: HR Leaders’ Academy Website

Upcoming Webinar Announcement

To discuss the future transformation of HR departments and the skills needed for HR professionals, a free webinar titled 'Transforming HR Functions and Career Pathways for HR Professionals' will be jointly held with Mercer.

• - Date: July 1, 2025 | Time: 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
• - Format: Zoom Webinar
• - Audience: HR and talent development professionals
• - Speakers:

- Naohiro Maekawa, Senior Principal, Mercer Japan
- Yuko Okada, Section Manager, Lightworks HCM Consulting

• - Registration: Webinar Registration

About Mercer

Mercer is part of Marsh & McLennan (NYSE: MMC) and is dedicated to supporting clients in achieving their investment goals, shaping work futures, enhancing employee health, and improving quality of life post-retirement.

About Lightworks

Lightworks Co., Ltd. specializes in providing Learning Management Systems (LMS) like CAREERSHIP, along with e-learning materials, primarily focused on large enterprises, thus creating environments for organizational and individual growth.