SmartHR’s Perspective on DEIB
DEIB at SmartHR: From DEI to DEIB
At SmartHR, we aim to achieve Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging as defined in the following diagram. What started as a DEI-focused initiative has since grown into a Belonging-centric approach, based on a simple idea: the best kind of workplace is one where everyone feels respected, valued, and like they truly belong.
That is why we are committed to building a workplace where Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion intersect around a shared foundation of Belonging, ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities and feels empowered to pursue challenges as their authentic selves.




DEIB Initiatives
DEIB at SmartHR: By the Numbers
-
Percentage of women employees
38.9%(*1)
-
Percentage of women in Manager/Director positions
25.3%(*2)
-
Percentage of employees returning from parental leave (mothers & fathers)
100%(*3)
-
Percentage of fathers taking parental leave (incl. Short-term Parental Leave for Childcare Purposes)
98.6%(*3)
-
Percentage of employees responding “Yes” to the question “Do you believe there is mutual understanding and acceptance among employees in your workplace?”
89.4%(*4)
-
Percentage of employees responding “Yes” to the question “Do you believe your workplace cares about the personal values of individual employees?”
87.6%(*4)
- *1 As of end-December 2024 (includes full-time, contract, and part-time employees)
- *2 As of end-December 2024
- *3 Fiscal year 2024
- *4 January 2025 Engagement Survey
Our Programs and Policies
At SmartHR, we have built a range of programs that make it easier for everyone to choose how they can contribute. Our goal is to support a flexible, inclusive environment where each person can thrive in their own way.

Flextime
Work anytime between 5AM and 10PM, no core hours

Remote Work
Everyone can work remotely
Employees in product-side roles are free to work fully remote

Birth Preparation Leave
Expecting mothers and fathers can take 5 days of paid leave to get ready for the birth of their child

Wellness Leave
Time off is available for anyone (regardless of gender) dealing with symptoms related to menstruation, PMS, or menopause that make it difficult to work

Subsidies for Babysitting
We offer babysitter discount tickets: up to two per eligible child per session, with a monthly cap of 24 per family (maxJPY 4,400 per use)

Support for Diverse Families
Employees in common-law marriages (including same-sex couples) and their children have access to the same systems and benefits as legally married families
DEIB in Action
We run a wide range of initiatives to make sure everyone at SmartHRfeels respected and has the chance to grow.

Work-Life Balance
- 1.Support for employees returning from parental leave
- 2.Other flexible programs

Supporting Women at Work
- 1.One-on-one training
- 2.Hiring initiatives
- 3.Tracking KPIs for representation

Supporting Employees with Disabilities
- 1.Step-by-step support programs
- 2.Hiring initiatives
- 3.Other programs

Supporting LGBTQ Members
- 1.Dedicated support programs
- 2.Access to a consultation desk
- 3.Participation in Tokyo Pride

Creating an Inclusive Culture
- 1.Voices and stories from employees with
disabilitiesOpens external site in a new window or tab. - 2.Sharing DEIB-related information
- 3.DEIB study groups and training sessions
- 4.Workshops and networking

Tracking Our Progress
At SmartHR, we set clear KPIs to ensure a broad range of perspectives is reflected in the decisions we make.
We believe that achieving true DEIB means that a diverse range of voices must be included in the decision-making process.
As a first step, we are focusing on increasing the number of women in management . By including more women in leadership roles, we aim to build a workplace where different ideas and experiences are not only welcomed but drive us forward.
2027 Goal for Supporting Women’s Advancement in the Workplace

Share of Women in Manager/Director Roles
29%(*)
This KPI was finalized with the full support of our leadership team, and we are taking concrete steps to make it happen.Over the long term, we’re working towards gender parity at every level of the organization, and this 2027 target serves as a big milestone on that path.
* Targeted share as of end-December 2027
External Recognition
We are proud to be recognized by outside organizations for creating a workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive.

SmartHR Recognized as One of the 100 Best Workplaces in Japan
In February 2025, SmartHR was selected in the Large Company category of the 100 Best Workplaces™ in Japan ranking, conducted by the Great Place to Work® Institute Japan (GPTW Japan). This recognition highlights companies with particularly high levels of employee satisfaction and engagement. (*1)
The ranking is based on two types of surveys that form the foundation of GPTW's global “Great Place to Work For All” model. These surveys are standardized across all participating countries and used to evaluate companies in Japan as well. (*2)
According to the GPTW certification survey results (*3), SmartHR received particularly high ratings in the following areas:
Management's actions match its words
Management involves people in decisions that affect their jobs or work environment
Management keeps me informed about important issues and changes