Messages from Our Leaders

Innovation Unleashed Through Diversity – i-PRO’s D&I Strategy

Q Why does i-PRO place such a strong emphasis on Diversity & Inclusion? How does the active participation of diverse talent lead to innovation?

A At i-PRO, we view diversity as a strategic driver of innovation and long-term value creation. Diversity & Inclusion is not a standalone initiative – it is embedded in our management philosophy and directly linked to how we compete and grow. For us, diversity extends beyond geography or gender. It includes diversity of thought, professional background, expertise, culture, and lived experience. Innovation emerges when people who think differently challenge assumptions, approach problems from multiple angles, and respectfully debate ideas.

Within our organization, experienced professionals who have contributed since our Panasonic days work side by side with colleagues who have joined us more recently from diverse national, cultural, and professional backgrounds. This combination of institutional knowledge and fresh perspective creates a powerful dynamic. When these viewpoints intersect, we generate solutions that go beyond conventional thinking – and that is where meaningful innovation occurs.

Our top management has been clear in stating that fully leveraging this broad spectrum of diversity not only enhances our ability to innovate, but also strengthens the quality and reliability of management decision-making. When people with diverse backgrounds, values, and ways of thinking come together, blind spots are reduced, enabling more robust and well-informed decisions. This belief is deeply embedded in how i-PRO is managed.

Today, i-PRO operates in more than 20 countries as one unified global team. To remain close to our customers and responsive to local market conditions we actively recruit talent with diverse cultural perspectives and expertise, working toward our vision of becoming a truly “Global One” company. By combining the agility of a growth-stage company with the collective expertise and diverse thinking of our global sites, we continue to create value on a global scale.

Importantly, diversity at i-PRO is intentional and structured. While we have identified geographic diversity and gender diversity as priority focus areas—and have consistently worked to increase the ratio of women in management roles since our independence—we place equal emphasis on fostering an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are actively encouraged and respected. At i-PRO, inclusion is not separate from diversity; it is the foundation that enables diversity to create impact.

A Global Culture Where Employees Thrive – Living “Flexible, Bold, Trusted”

Q How would you describe i-PRO’s corporate culture? What is the thinking behind the values “Flexible, Bold, Trusted”?

A When i-PRO became an independent company in 2019, we had a rare opportunity: to intentionally design our culture. At the heart of that culture are our three core values: Flexible, Bold, and Trusted.

Flexibility represents our ability to adapt to change and embrace diverse opinions. Boldness encourages us to take on new challenges and pursue innovative ideas. Trust and integrity form the foundation of strong ethics and teamwork. These values are not symbolic statements; they shape everyday behavior, leadership expectations, and performance standards across our global organization.

Fairness and inclusion are central to our workplace culture. Regardless of role or background, every individual is respected as a valued member of the organization. The results of our global culture survey show that at i-PRO, a culture where people feel safe at work, can be themselves, and are welcomed as part of the team is steadily taking root in everyday practice. Alongside trust in safety, work-life balance, and fairness, the recognition of a culture that warmly welcomes new employees reflects the ongoing evolution of Global One i-PRO across our global organization.

We intentionally cultivate psychological safety – an environment where employees can speak openly, challenge ideas constructively, and bring forward innovation without fear. This culture directly strengthens collaboration and problem-solving. As a result, i-PRO has earned Great Place To Work® certification at all of our sites worldwide, including Japan. In our global employee survey, 90% of employees said they felt welcomed when they joined the company, and 85% reported that they are proud to be part of a company that contributes positively to society.

Our leadership often emphasizes that the consistent presence of an environment where employees feel safe, welcomed, and supported is at the very essence of i-PRO. The fact that shared values and pride resonate across our global sites—and drive daily innovation and collaboration—is one of our greatest strengths.

Supporting Engagement and Fulfillment – Building a Workplace That Listens

Q What systems and initiatives are in place to help employees work with energy and engagement? How do you incorporate employee feedback into your culture?

A At i-PRO, we respect the autonomy of each individual and recognize the diversity of lifestyles among our employees. To support flexible ways of working, we have introduced full-flex time arrangements and hybrid work models in selected regions, including Japan, based on local needs and regulatory conditions. These initiatives enable employees in those regions to manage the balance between work and personal life more independently. Surveys at our Japan office show particularly strong evaluations for work-life balance and the ease of taking leave.

Across all regions, we place strong emphasis on employee well-being, including the creation of safe and hygienic work environments and the provision of mental health support. While specific measures may differ by location, these efforts are guided by a shared commitment to supporting employees’ physical and mental well-being, contributing not only to improved engagement but also to higher productivity.

Talent development and career growth are equally important at i-PRO. In Japan, we currently provide a structured set of programs, including manager training, followership programs for non-managerial employees, and cross-cultural training aimed at developing globally capable talent. Building on the effectiveness of these initiatives, we plan to expand similar talent development frameworks to other regions in a phased manner starting next year, taking into account local contexts and organizational readiness.

Through internal job postings and project-based opportunities available across the company, employees are encouraged to step forward and take on new challenges proactively. We also support continuous learning by offering assistance with professional certifications and self-directed study, with the specific forms of support tailored by region.

Employee feedback is gathered through regular engagement surveys and incorporated into improvements in our systems and corporate culture. In addition, we create opportunities for dialogue with management and cross-functional discussions at both global and regional levels, ensuring that our workplace continues to evolve through active employee participation and open communication.

A Message to Stakeholders – Sustainable Growth Driven by People and Culture

Q Finally, what message would you like to share with investors and other stakeholders regarding i-PRO’s D&I and corporate culture initiatives?

A We believe that a culture built on diversity and trust is a powerful driver of customer value creation and positive societal impact. The pride and sense of community shared by our employees generate innovation and collaboration, forming the foundation of i-PRO’s competitiveness.

At i-PRO, we view investment in people as one of the highest-return investments we can make. Our people-centered approach to management positions employee engagement and D&I as integral components of our business strategy, strengthening trust among all stakeholders.

As a participant in the United Nations Global Compact, we are committed to upholding international principles related to human rights, labor standards, environmental responsibility, and governance. Going forward, we will continue to leverage our culture of diversity and trust to create new value for society and to meet the expectations of all stakeholders.