Panasonic Group Human Rights and Labor Policy
The Panasonic Group ("Panasonic") recognizes that its mission is to contribute towards realization of “an Ideal society, with both material and spiritual affluence" through its business activities. We tackle with global environmental issues and help people gaining comfort, peace of mind, well-being and happiness in various aspects of their "lifestyle" and "workstyle".
Based on the belief that a company with such a mission belongs not only to itself but also to society, Panasonic considers that a company is “a public entity of society”. As Panasonic is entrusted by society with assets such as human resources, capital, and materials for its business activities, we must contribute to society by making the most of these resources and creating value from our activities.
Panasonic's business activities are supported by many people, including our employees, customers who use our products and services, business partners and associates who are involved in procurement, manufacturing, sales, and other business operations. As a public entity of society, we cannot allow ourselves to develop at the expense of these people. We believe that developing together with society through transparent and fair business practices will lead to the improvement of people's lifestyles and the development of society.
Panasonic hereby establishes the Panasonic Group Human Rights and Labor Policy and is committed to fulfilling our social responsibilities of contributing to the well-being and happiness of all these people.
Responsibility to respect human rights
Panasonic complies with all applicable laws and regulations in its business activities and supports internationally recognized human rights, such as those expressed in the International Bill of Human Rights and the International Labor Organization's (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. In line with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, Panasonic promotes initiatives that respect human rights, including, among others, the prohibition of all forms of forced labor, the effective abolition of child labor, the elimination of discrimination in employment and occupation, and the effective recognition of freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.
We will seek ways to honor the principles of internationally recognized human rights when forced with conflicting requirements.
In its business activities, Panasonic faithfully strives to prevent human rights abuses and to address any negative human rights impacts if they occur.
When negative human rights impacts by our suppliers, customers, or other business partners are linked to our business, products, or services, we will seek their understanding of this policy and work with them to prevent or mitigate such impacts.
Human rights due diligence
Panasonic will continuously implement and improve its "human rights due diligence" system, in accordance with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This system is to identify, prevent, and mitigate negative human rights impacts related to our business activities, products, services, and transactions, and to explain how we address these impacts to relevant stakeholders.
To address negative human rights impacts and to continuously improve our efforts, Panasonic will engage in dialogue, discussion, and collaboration with relevant internal and external stakeholders. In particular, with regard to our procurement activities that may be more frequently exposed to risks of human rights abuse, we will strengthen dialogue with our suppliers to prevent problems from occurring not only at our direct suppliers but also in our supply chain. We will enhance the effectiveness of our human rights due diligence by gaining their understanding and cooperation.
We will also disclose these efforts through our corporate website and related reports and other communication channels.
Access to remedy
To ensure that complaints about human rights abuses are addressed promptly and to enable remedy, Panasonic will encourage use of its whistle-blowing system, also, participate grievance mechanisms provided by government agencies, business associations, and other organizations. We shall strictly maintain confidentiality of such reporting, prohibit adverse treatment of whistleblowers or other impacted individuals, and communicate promptly with them in order to provide possible remedy.
Realization of a rewarding work environment
In order to create a work environment where diverse human resources entrusted to us by society can fully demonstrate their individuality and feel fulfilled in their work, Panasonic will work to promote, improve, and ensure the following: the payment of appropriate wages, appropriate management of working hours, securing a safe working environment, support for the promotion of physical and mental health, prevention of harassment, promotion of DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion), support for the realization of work-life balance, and providing opportunities for personal growth.
Education, review and improvement
Panasonic will provide all employees with appropriate education and training on this policy. We will ensure that this policy is integrated into all of our business activities and is effectively implemented and embedded. This policy and its implementation will be continuously reviewed and improved with the advice of outside experts.
April 1, 2022
Panasonic Holdings Corporation
Group CEO
