As the statutory employment quota for people with disabilities is raised to 2.7%, companies are expected to take steps to support their success after hiring. Japan Human Resources News has compiled and reported examples of workplace initiatives at leading companies, along with government policy.
The number of people with disabilities employed by companies surpassed 700,000, reaching a record high. The statutory employment quota was raised to 2.7% this July, and the companies subject to the employment requirement are expected to expand. However, the proportion of companies that have met the statutory employment quota remains at 46.0%. Director Kato Naoya (加藤 直也) said that competition for recruitment has intensified following the quota increase, and that companies need to respond to recruitment quickly and carefully and prepare to receive new employees.
Reports have emerged of people with disabilities working from home being left without assignments. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is considering tighter regulations on disability employment service providers. It aims to amend the law by 2027 to require providers to submit notifications and to establish guidelines for companies using these services. The study group indicated that it intends to assess the quality of employment based on 5 elements: promoting the exercise of abilities, appropriate employment management, fair evaluation and reflection of that evaluation, applying results to business operations, and employment stability.
As examples from the private sector, Nissui established its disability employment policy around growth and achievement. After being assigned to the Human Resources Department's Business Trust Team, employees with disabilities expand their contributions across departments. The company communicates reasonable accommodation through education and training and career interviews. Mybasket operates the “Caravan Team,” composed exclusively of employees with disabilities, and conducts 3 weeks of practical training before hiring to improve retention. Accenture has established satellite offices for people with disabilities, where employees handle more than 100 types of work and are provided with an environment conducive to concentration. The company is promoting reforms across departments.