Initiatives to Promote Career Opportunities for WomenThanks to efforts to expand the scope of jobs available to female
employees and foster female leaders, the number of women inpositions of responsibility is increasing steadily. We also promote
efforts to change the mindsets of female employees and bolster
their motivation, including holding roundtable discussions by afemale outside director. In April 2023, female employees wereappointed to the position of manager at security services offices,which are responsible for the sale, operation and management ofon-line security systems. We interviewed two of these individuals
for this year’s SECOM Report.

Outside Director Miri Hara (front row, second from left) holds a roundtablediscussion on career building for female employees

Mayumi Shibue, Manager, Neyagawa Office, Osaka
More than four months have passed since I was appointed office manager. In this position, I have more opportunities to meet
directly with customers than ever before. I’m sure some were a bit surprised to meet a female office manager, but I do feel thatmany are pleased and see this as an example of progress for women in accessing higher-level positions.
SECOM seeks to foster a positive, welcoming corporate climate—which we’ve dubbed “futa,” meaning something like “upbeatand open-minded”—that emphasizes achieving goals with a positive, open attitude. I believe that it is our responsibility, assenior employees, to pass on the SECOM culture, which emphasizes building character. Sincejoining the Company, I have grown as a person thanks to the support of my colleagues, which
I have come to really cherish. I think that having a variety of viewpoints is crucial to resolving
issues, so I place an emphasis on communicating with everyone at the office and notnaysaying different ways of thinking and doing things.
The work environment at SECOM has improved gradually and female employees today areencouraged to speak up and proactively take on challenges. I recognize that leading boldly
increases the likelihood of mistakes, but I’m a firm believer in failing forward. Mistakes are achance to learn and improve. SECOM promotes such a mindset. It is my hope that my juniorfemale colleagues will take advantage of their unique perspectives to carve out their own
niche going forward.

Kazuko Suzuki, Manager, Nerima Office, Tokyo
SECOM has a fairly strong male image, so I was a bit concerned at first whether afemale office manager would be accepted. Visiting customers, however, has been
illuminating, with many telling me that they find a woman easier to talk to. I’ve beenpleased and impressed with such comments.
Our office has a staff of about 20. I think it’s important to create a work environmentthat is comfortable and positive for everyone. Nobody is perfect, so it is impossible toeliminate errors altogether. I don’t want to inculcate a regimented, assembly-line workethic. My focus is on encouraging people to understand why rules exist as a way toreduce mistakes and improve work quality. I also encourage employees to report their
mistakes and to learn from them.
SECOM’s efforts to promote career opportunities for women are making steady progress, which to me is proof that theCompany is serious about this. Looking ahead, I would like to see the various systems the Company has put in place findbroader use. If more male employees were to take advantage of childcare leave or nursing care leave, for example, I think it
would encourage new perspectives and help change attitudes, thereby creating a supportive workplace culture that makes it
easier for both men and women to continue working.
Regarding career building, I think it is important for women to understand that they don’t have to go all out, to the point ofsacrificing their personal lives, to get ahead. Cooperation is crucial to creating a healthy, rewarding workplace dynamic that
supports everyone’s well-being.

SECOM REPORT 2023

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