Panasonic Connect joins the Valuable 500 to advance the experience of people with disabilities

Aiming to build an inclusive society for all

Tokyo, Japan – Panasonic Connect Co., Ltd. today announced that it has joined the Valuable 500, an international initiative dedicated to fostering a society where all individuals, regardless of their diverse personalities, can thrive and realize their full potential. This commitment was publicly unveiled today on the Valuable 500’s official website, along with Panasonic Connect’s specific pledges.

The Valuable 500 is an international initiative launched at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting (Davos Meeting) in 2019. Under the philosophy that “inclusive business creates an inclusive society,” the Valuable 500 aims to drive business reform among 500 leading global companies, enabling everyone, with or without disabilities, to maximize their abilities.

Katy Talikowska, CEO of the Valuable 500, commented on Panasonic Connect joining, “We’re delighted to welcome Panasonic Connect to the Valuable 500 as we look ahead to SYNC25. Their commitment to disability inclusion brings fresh perspective and energy to our community just when we need it most, strengthening our collective voice as we prepare for this landmark moment.”

Yasu Higuchi, President and CEO of Panasonic Connect, commented: “We are truly honored to join the Valuable 500, a global community of business leaders dedicated to the critical issue of disability inclusion. At Panasonic Connect, we firmly believe that empowering every individual to use their unique strengths is essential for sustainable growth. That is why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a core part of our business strategy. By joining this movement, we are confident that we can not only deepen our own initiatives but also create a greater social impact through collective action. We are committed to taking real action to build an inclusive society where all people can thrive in their work.”

See Panasonic Connect’s Commitment Here:
https://www.thevaluable500.com/companies/panasonic-connect

Panasonic Connect defined creating a healthy corporate culture as one of its key management strategies. Through the robust implementation of inclusion initiatives, work style reforms, and compliance adherence, the company is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can work with vitality and purpose. Building a healthy corporate culture serves as the essential foundation for creating a workplace where people with disabilities can flourish.

Panasonic Connect conducted detailed interviews with all employees with disabilities and their supervisors to understand the real challenges they face in their daily work and what systems and support they need. By carefully listening to their experiences, the company implement environment improvements and system designs that truly support those directly affected. For example, an automatic door opening system was developed and implemented based on the feedback and opinions from those in the workplace. The company is dedicated to improving office accessibility by leveraging its proprietary technologies.

The Japanese government recognizes subsidiaries that promote disability inclusion, provide long-term support, and advance other sustainable initiatives as special purpose subsidiaries. Panasonic Connect operates two such subsidiaries: Panasonic Connect Katano Co., Ltd. and Panasonic Connect Kibi Co., Ltd., where many people with disabilities work alongside non-disabled colleagues, accumulating valuable specialized knowledge and skills. By learning from this expertise and applying it across various workplaces, the company contributes to creating more accessible work environments for people with disabilities.

Panasonic Connect serves as the secretariat for the Okayama Kibi Wheelchair Friendship Road Race, where people with and without disabilities participate together. This year marks the 37th edition of this event. The company takes pride in producing inspiring experiences through sports that bring together Paralympic athletes, general participants, and people with and without disabilities alike. Through such activities that extend beyond the company operations, Panasonic Connect works with others to contribute to the evolution of diversity and inclusion in society.

Moving forward, Panasonic Connect will continue to proactively create a workplace and society where everyone, with or without disabilities, is treated with equity and empowered to contribute their unique abilities.

Panasonic Connect Co., Ltd. was established on April 1, 2022 as part of the Panasonic Group’s switch to an operating company system. With roughly 29,700 employees worldwide and annual sales of JPY1,333 billion the company plays a central role in the growth of the Panasonic Group’s B2B solutions business and provides new value to its customers by combining advanced hardware, intelligent software solutions, and a wealth of knowledge in industrial engineering accumulated in its over 100-year history. The company’s purpose is to “Change Work, Advance Society, Connect to Tomorrow.” By driving innovation in the supply chain, public services, infrastructure, and entertainment sectors, Panasonic Connect aims to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society and to ensure well-being for all.