An environment in which LGBTQ+ employees can work with pride

Takeda has been awarded the highest rating of Gold in the PRIDE Index 2021 by work with Pride (wwP), a voluntary organization that promotes LGBTQ+ diversity management in Japanese companies and organizations.

“We have worked hard to build an inclusive culture,” said Hayden Majajas, Takeda’s Head of Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, when we spoke with him about the recognition. “This recognition is a great source of pride for the entire organization.”

Q: What does the Pride Index measure?

HM: The PRIDE Index measures an organizations’ progress and initiatives with respect to LGBTQ+ inclusion across five categories: Declarations of action; Community engagement; Awareness-raising activities; Personnel systems and programs; Social contribution and external relations activities.

Organizations such as Takeda that receive the Gold Rating must show strong performance in each of the five areas.

Q: How does Takeda foster a culture of inclusion?

HM: Our goal is for everyone at Takeda to enjoy the opportunity to thrive, develop and grow based on merit, potential and ambition, regardless of gender, age, nationality, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or lifestyle. In Japan, we have taken multiple initiatives to build an inclusive culture and ensure that all LGTBQ+ employees feel a sense of belonging and psychological safety within the company.

For example, we have prohibited any use of discriminatory language and behavior, and have installed inclusive, gender-neutral bathrooms at our head office building in Osaka and global headquarters in Tokyo.

We provide employees with relevant information and details on our LGBTQ+ policy and benefits, including our paid family support leave program which we recently expanded to include same-sex partners. We have instituted a specific hiring portal dedicated to bringing in diverse talent, allowing us to engage with members of the LGBTQ+ community who are interested in a career with Takeda.

Q: What does this award mean for you personally?

HM: This recognition is a great source of pride and optimism for myself, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team, and the entire organization. I am proud of Takeda’s work to ensure our colleagues feel respected and safe, regardless of their sexual orientation.

We recognize that creating diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environments is critical to fostering a healthy work culture that empowers our employees to be themselves and live our purpose every day. We believe that our culture thrives because of our differences and strengthens our ability to deliver on behalf of patients everywhere.

Go deeper into Takeda’s commitment to DE&I

About “PRIDE Index"

The PRIDE Index was developed by wwP in 2016 as Japan's first evaluation index for LGBTQ+ related corporate and other initiatives, with the aim of realizing a workplace where LGBTQ+ people can work with pride.

For more information about the PRIDE Index, please refer to the official website.
https://workwithpride.jp/pride-i/ (available in Japanese only)