News & Topics

ARKRAY Awarded the "PRIDE Index 2022 Gold Prize" for the Second Year Running

Efforts for LGBTQ measures in the workplace is recognized.

What is "PRIDE Index"?

This index was first formulated by wwP in Japan in 2016, with the aim of "creating workplaces for LGBTQ people in Japan across the frameworks of businesses, organizations and other such groups." This index gives awards in three ranks of Gold, Silver and Bronze by evaluating policies holistically across five categories: "Policy" (declarations of action), "Representation" (applicable minority communities within the company), "Inspiration" (awareness campaigns), "Development" (personnel system and program), and "Engagement / Empowerment" (social contribution / public relations activities). In addition, from 2021, a new Rainbow certification was established to recognize companies that go beyond just in-house initiatives and promote collaboration across sectors.

Why Acquire a PRIDE Index Rating

ARKRAY's basic policy for the SDGs is to respect the individuality of each employee and create a comfortable and pleasant work environment, thereby fostering human resources who will carry on the company's founding ethos: to take on challenges.
As one of our various efforts, we have acquired the "PRIDE Index" in order to promote the development of an environment where LGBTQ people can work comfortably and to visualize the efforts through objective evaluation by a third party as a guideline for further improvement.

ARKRAY's main efforts

- Clearly stating "Do not engage in any conduct that offends an individual's personal dignity on the basis of age, gender, sexual orientation, etc. (summary)." in the company's Code of Conduct*
*http://www.arkray.co.jp/japanese/about/action_guidelines.html

- Establishment of various regulations, benefit programs, and internal consultation services relating to employees with same-sex partners.

- Implementation of e-learning for all employees

- Making the gender column in the recruitment process an optional field.

- Installation of gender-neutral toilets on each floor of the head office.

- Participation in the Kyoto Rainbow Pride Parade

About ARKRAY

A leading company in diabetes testing, ARKRAY, Inc. (hereafter, ARKRAY) succeeded in developing the world's first portable glucose analyzer in 1970. Since then, we have developed the world's first automated HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c*) measurement device. Through more than 40 years of supplying blood glucose self-monitoring meters, diabetes management systems and more, we have been committed to supporting diabetes treatments and the medical settings that lead the way for them, as well endeavoring to improve patient quality of life (QOL). In addition, we are conducting campaigns to improve awareness, such as promoting knowledge about diabetes and understanding of the environment surrounding diabetes.

As a company that has been involved in diabetes for many years, ARKRAY will continue to raise awareness about the importance of diabetes prevention and continuing treatment to increase public interest.

*Hemoglobin A1c is an indicator of average blood sugar levels for the past 1 to 2 months. HbA1c is formed when the hemoglobin inside red blood cells combines with glucose.