#Japan #Tokyo #LGBTQ+ #ITOKI #Rainbow Certification

Itoki's Commitment to LGBTQ+ Rights

Itoki Corporation has recently made headlines for its exceptional commitment toward fostering a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace. For the second consecutive year, Itoki has been awarded the prestigious Rainbow Certification, a recognition given to companies that excel in their initiatives to support LGBTQ+ employees. This achievement follows the company receiving the highest rating, Gold, under the PRIDE Index, a benchmark for evaluating corporate LGBTQ+ initiatives established by Work With Pride in 2016.

Understanding the PRIDE Index

The PRIDE Index serves as the first comprehensive evaluation tool in Japan aimed at creating a workplace where LGBTQ+ individuals can thrive. It is comprised of five key components: Policy, Representation, Inspiration, Development, and Engagement/Empowerment. By meeting specific criteria within these components, organizations are awarded points that contribute to their overall ranking, which can be classified as Gold, Silver, or Bronze. The Rainbow Certification is an additional recognition awarded to companies that go above and beyond in collaborating with various sectors, including government, academia, and NGOs, to enhance LGBTQ+ workplace environments.

Itoki's Initiatives for LGBTQ+ Inclusion

As part of its commitment to inclusivity, Itoki has undertaken several initiatives aimed at promoting an LGBTQ+-friendly workplace. These initiatives include:

• - LGBTQ+ training sessions for managerial staff in 2022, followed by sessions for all employees in 2023.
• - The announcement of an original ally mark and corporate logo aimed at declaring support for LGBTQ+ rights, introduced in 2022.
• - Implementation of a partnership system in 2023, which extends benefits and policies to de facto marriages and same-sex partners, ensuring they receive the same welfare provisions as legally recognized spouses.
• - Hosting an Ally Exhibition across various locations in Japan as part of their allies' commitment from 2023 through 2025.
• - Establishment of an LGBTQ+ ally community in 2023 to bolster support within the organization.
• - Distribution of a DE&I Workplace Handbook that outlines key considerations for designing inclusive spaces, provided to all employees in 2024.
• - Conducting a DE&I x Workplace Seminar, which included a tour of their headquarters office, held in 2024 and continuing into 2025.

Future Directions

Looking ahead, Itoki aims to further expand its LGBTQ+ initiatives through policy enhancements and training programs, ensuring that individuals of diverse backgrounds—across age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, disability, employment type, and values—can fully express their unique selves in a vibrant workplace.

About Itoki Corporation

Founded in 1890, Itoki Corporation embraces the mission statement "Designing the Future of Work." The company specializes in manufacturing and selling office furniture, creating office environments, providing work style consulting, and offering office data analysis services. Their strength lies in the combination of Tech and Design, offering solutions that support various spaces and environments. Recently, Itoki has emphasized employee engagement as a key management metric, investing in office environments, enhancing internal communication, and promoting DE&I initiatives to maximize human capital. The company is also committed to sustainable product development and resource circulation, advancing its vision of a vibrant society where both people and the planet thrive.

For additional information and a closer look at their initiatives, visit Itoki's Official Website or their dedicated LGBTQ+ resources.