Honda Recognizes Same-Sex Partners as Spouses... Japanese Corporate Culture Changes to Secure Talent

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jaehee] Among Japanese manufacturers, the establishment of internal regulations for LGBTQ+ employees is spreading. Initially, such movements were seen mainly in foreign-affiliated companies and online business sectors, but recently, diversity initiatives are expanding in manufacturing as well, with companies like Honda Motor granting marriage leave to employees with same-sex partners.

According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun on the 22nd, Honda decided to apply internal regulations originally intended for spouses to employees with same-sex partners starting in April. This includes providing marriage leave, marriage congratulatory money, and single-person transfer allowances. In cases where same-sex couples have adopted children, they can also use childcare leave and company family housing.

Moreover, Honda has displayed unique marks acknowledging LGBTQ+ (an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) awareness in the public restrooms and lockers of its headquarters and factories.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries also established internal regulations from April that treat same-sex partners equally to spouses. This includes condolence money and childcare leave. Kawasaki Heavy Industries is also preparing gender-neutral restrooms in some factories.

Asahi Kasei is planning to introduce a welfare system within this year that recognizes same-sex partners as dependents.

The most progressive company implementing such policies is Mitsubishi Chemical. Since 2019, it has included same-sex partners as spouses in its system, applying benefits such as housing subsidies, and allows employees to apply for welfare benefits without entering the spouse’s name. It also conducts education to increase understanding of LGBTQ+ issues.

Previously, internal system reforms considerate of LGBTQ+ individuals were mainly carried out by foreign-affiliated companies and internet companies that attract diverse talent. IBM Japan established a committee in 2004 to consider accommodations for LGBTQ+ employees. Yahoo defined same-sex partners as spouses starting in 2017.

However, among all Japanese companies, such movements have been minimal. According to a smart work survey conducted by the Nihon Keizai Shimbun last year, only 1% of 637 companies responded that they had expanded family allowances or leave eligibility to include same-sex partners.

The recent increase in establishing internal regulations for LGBTQ+ employees is based on the judgment that respecting diversity leads to enhanced corporate competitiveness. The international accounting firm Ernst & Young stated, "There are difficulties in securing diverse talent, and if such policies are not established, there is a high risk of talent outflow."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.