Kajima Group Human Rights Policy
Established on March 31, 2021
Last Revised: June 10, 2022
Kajima’s corporate philosophy is: “As a group of individuals working together as one, we pursue creative progress and development founded on both rational, scientific principles and a humanitarian outlook and contribute to society through the advancement of our business.” The Kajima Group Code of Conduct stipulates respect for all individuals connected to the Kajima Group.
This policy clarifies the Kajima Group’s approach to respect for human rights and is established based on the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. It applies to all officers and employees of the Kajima Group, including regular, contract and dispatched employees, and we expect all business partners across our global supply chain to understand and uphold this policy.
We are committed to respecting human rights and endeavor, through our business activities, to avoid any infringement and minimize any potential adverse impacts.
1. Respect for international standards
The Kajima Group supports and respects internationally recognized human rights standards, including:
- The International Bill of Human Rights
- The ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
- The Children’s Rights and Business Principles
- The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
- The Ten Principles of the UN GlobalCompact
2. Compliance with laws and regulations
We comply with all applicable laws and regulations and their underlying principles in every country and region where we operate, as well as with international rules and social norms.
If a conflict arises between internationally accepted human rights standards and local laws, we will seek ways to honor the internationally recognized standards.
3. Respect for human rights
We will fulfill our responsibility to respect human rights through the following actions:
(1) Prohibition of Discrimination and Harassment
We respect the fundamental rights, dignity and diversity of all individuals and prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment or unfair treatment based on race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, age, religion, place of origin, disability or physical characteristics. We strictly prohibit child and forced labor and will not tolerate any human rights violations.
(2) Engagement with Local Communities
We actively engage with local communities and strive to build and maintain positive relationships.
(3) Safe and Healthy Work Environment
We endeavor to develop, maintain and continuously improve a safe, hygienic and healthy workplace. We do not allow circumstances to arise that could negatively affect employees, such as unsafe equipment, excessive working hours or harmful work processes. We provide clear explanations of working conditions, training and welfare benefits.
At construction sites, we work to strengthen systems to prevent occupational accidents through active communication and collaboration. We maintain a zero-tolerance stance toward concealing accidents and foster an environment where employees can report incidents without fear of retaliation.
(4) Appropriate Working Hours
We manage working hours, holidays and leave appropriately to prevent excessive overtime. We implement realistic scheduling and safety measures to avoid harsh working conditions.
(5) Fair Compensation
We comply with statutory minimum wage requirements and strive to pay living wages that enable employees to maintain a healthy and dignified standard of living. We do not make unjust wage reductions.
(6) Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining
We respect employees’ rights to organize and engage in collective bargaining and foster constructive dialogue between management and employees.
(7)Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I)
We promote an inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives and work styles and drives innovation through equal opportunity. We design human resources systems and work environments that enable all employees to realize their full potential while supporting individual growth and respecting unique characteristics.
(8) Rights of Foreign Workers in Japan
We respect and protect the rights of foreign technical interns and other foreign workers.
(9) Human Rights in Overseas Business
In regions where human rights risks exist, we ensure that no forced evictions occur and that appropriate safeguards are in place for workers at overseas construction sites.
(10) Rights of Indigenous Peoples
In areas inhabited by indigenous peoples, we recognize their unique culture and history and respect their rights as defined by local laws and international frameworks, including the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and ILO Convention No.169.
4. Human Rights Due Diligence
Kajima Group implements a human rights due diligence framework to minimize adverse impacts on human rights.
This includes identifying actual and potential adverse impacts on human rights in our business activities and supply chains and continuously carrying out measures to prevent and mitigate such impacts. These measures are integrated into our internal processes, and their effectiveness is regularly tracked and evaluated. Furthermore, we explain and disclose the details and results of these efforts externally. If any issues are identified, we strive to continuously improve our approach and enhance the effectiveness of our human rights due diligence system.
5. Whistleblower System
Kajima Group has established and operates a whistleblower system that enables both internal and external parties to report concerns or violations related to human rights. We respond appropriately to all reports of human rights issues.
Employees of Kajima Group who encounter inconsistencies between this policy and any laws, customs, or practices, have doubts about the policy, or wish to report a possible violation, may use one of the internal whistleblower contact points. These contact points include not only designated internal personnel but also external private organizations and lawyers. Depending on the contact point, reports and concerns may be submitted anonymously via e-mail, telephone, fax, written letter or other means. Confidentiality is strictly maintained, and users will not face any retaliation or adverse treatment as a result of reporting. We regularly disclose information on our human rights initiatives and progress under this policy.
In addition, individuals outside Kajima Group who become aware of violations or suspected violations of the Group’s human rights policies or relevant laws may also report such matters anonymously through external whistleblower contact points. Overseas offices and local subsidiaries establish and operate whistleblower systems that reflect the laws, cultural practices and customs of each country or region.
All reports are investigated in accordance with the procedures specified under the whistleblower system, and appropriate corrective and remedial measures are taken. The whistleblower system is regularly reviewed and improved to maintain and enhance its effectiveness.
6. Corrective and Remedial Action
If Kajima Group is found to have caused or contributed to any adverse impacts on human rights or if such involvement becomes clear, we will take appropriate measures to correct the situation and provide remedies.
Furthermore, even in cases where Kajima Group has not directly caused an adverse impact on human rights, if our business activities or services are directly linked to an adverse impact through one of our business partners or other related parties, we will cooperate with those parties to ensure respect for human rights and strive to prevent and address any infringement.
7. Implementation and Oversight
Kajima has established a Human Rights Committee under the Sustainability Committee to oversee policy implementation and related measures across the Group.
8. Education and training
We provide education and training to ensure that all officers and employees fully understand and implement this policy in their daily work.
9. Stakeholder Engagement
We maintain ongoing dialogue and consultation with stakeholders and external experts regarding actual or potential human rights impacts.
10. Disclosure
We regularly disclose information on our human rights initiatives and progress in accordance with this policy.
11. Policy Review
We review and update this policy periodically in response to social changes and business developments and engage stakeholders and external experts in the process.
