Basic Approach
The Sanrio Group has established care for the global environment as one of the Sanrio Materiality issues in order to contribute to a society where people live together in peace and harmony based on our corporate philosophy “Minna Nakayoku (Getting Along Together).” As a signatory of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), we respect human rights specified in the International Bill of Human Rights, the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, and other international standards, and promote initiatives to respect human rights in accordance with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. We also support the Children’s Rights and Business Principles and protect the rights of children.
The Sanrio Compliance Charter clearly states that we respect the fundamental human rights of all people equally and that we do not discriminate or treat people unfavorably because of their status in the Company, their employment status, age, gender, origin, ancestry, nationality, race, disability, religion, creed, or marital status. The charter requires all Group officers and employees to act in accordance with these principles. We also respect the fundamental rights of our employees, including freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.
We do not treat employees unfairly or unjustly based on their personal attributes and provide them with equal pay for equal work. Our salary structures provide wages that exceed the minimum wage levels stipulated by the laws and customs of the countries and regions where we have business bases. The salary structures also take into account the economic environment of each country and region. Working hours are also managed appropriately, according to local laws and regulations, and we endeavor to reduce overtime work.
The Group has established the Sanrio Supplier/Licensee Code of Conduct and this code requires suppliers and licensees to respect human rights and clearly prohibits forced labor and child labor, restricts long working hours, eliminates discrimination and harassment, and assures worker health and safety.
When it becomes clear that the Group’s business activities bring about or encourage a negative impact on human rights, we take appropriate steps to correct that and prevent recurrence.
Structure and Governance
The Sustainability Committee, chaired by the President and CEO and vice-chaired by the Director of the Corporate Strategy Division, discusses the Group’s human rights initiatives and allocates management resources to them appropriately.
For more information, please refer to Sanrio Sustainability Structure and Governance.
Main Initiatives
Employee awareness and training
For more information, please refer to Main Initiatives under Compliance.
Respect for human rights in the supply chain
The Sanrio Group asks suppliers and licensees to complete a self-inspection checklist to verify the status of compliance with the Sanrio Supplier/Licensee Code of Conduct. We request responses from all suppliers/licensees involved in the manufacture and handling of Sanrio products to ascertain the status of each company relating to child labor, forced labor, and other issues. The information is then used for risk management related to our business and, when issues are identified, Sanrio cooperates with the companies to make improvements.
As a supplemental effort to the self-inspection checklist, Sanrio conducts on-site inspections of suppliers and licensees and as well as overseas manufacturing plants contracted by licensees. Sites selected for inspections are chosen with a priority on locations with geopolitical risk and the volume and status of transactions with Sanrio. External specialized organizations may also be engaged to confirm the labor conditions at local factories and, in the event that issues are identified, Sanrio requests the company to implement improvements and supports efforts to resolve the issues.
For more information, please refer to Risk Management in Achieving a Sustainable Supply Chain.
Compliance and Harassment Consultation and Reporting Desk
Sanrio maintains a Compliance and Harassment Consultation and Reporting Desk available to all Group officers and employees and all business partners of Sanrio Group companies. The desk listens to reports and provides consultation on violations of laws and regulations as well as on human rights issues, such as harassment in the workplace. The desk investigates information it receives based on objective evidence and takes appropriate measures, such as corrective measures. We protect the identity of individuals who have sought consultation or reported concerns and maintain the confidentiality of the content of consultations and reports.
For more information, please refer to Structure and Governance under Compliance.
UK Modern Slavery Act compliance
Sanrio manages working hours appropriately and strives to reduce long working hours. Specific initiatives include encouraging employees to take paid vacation to achieve work-life balance and scheduling “no overtime” days in each department. We also ensure that everyone is informed of efficient workstyles by disclosing overtime hours worked each month to members of management.
Support for Living Wages
The Group’s salary structures provide wages that exceed the minimum wage levels stipulated by the laws and customs of the countries and regions where we have business bases. The salary structures also take into account the economic environment of each country and region. Sanrio’s rules on wages specify that social standards are taken into consideration in determining wages. Based on these rules, we pay wages that enable employees to maintain a socially acceptable standard of living.