Human Rights and Human Resource Strategy
Sustainability
Approach
By respecting human rights and strengthening our human resource foundation, we will establish a workplace environment in which diverse personnel can fully demonstrate their abilities, thereby achieving sustainable growth for both individuals and the organization, as well as enhancing corporate value.
External Environment
Improvement of the working environment, respect for diversity, and supply chain management that considers human rights are receiving increasing attention. In addition, amid declining labor population, stricter regulations, advances in AI and digital technologies, and responses to environmental issues, securing and developing highly skilled and specialized human resources is more important than ever for companies aiming for sustainable growth.
Current Situation and Challenges
The Company is promoting the Good Workplace initiative, which aims to create a harassment-free and healthy work environment, and the Workstyle Evolution Project, which enables diverse personnel to leverage their individual strengths. From 2024, a new human resources system has been introduced based on the core concepts of supporting organizations that continue to grow and personnel who continue to take on challenges and fostering a professional mindset. Promotion of D&I, women's empowerment, and work-life balance remains necessary, with human rights due diligence across the entire supply chain being a particularly important issue.
Respect for Human Rights and Strengthening the Foundation of Human Resources
Future Initiatives
The Company has established the following basic policies regarding human rights and human resources development.
Human Rights Policy
In promoting respect for human rights, we comply with all applicable laws and regulations, and uphold international standards such as the International Bill of Human Rights and the International Labour Organization conventions. We also endorse the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact and operate in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. We strive to ensure that all officers and employees within our group fulfill their responsibilities to respect human rights. Furthermore, we ask our suppliers, business partners, and other stakeholders to acknowledge, support, and implement this policy, and we actively promote the fulfillment of social responsibilities, including respect for human rights, throughout our value chain.
Human Capital Development Policy
We will define the human capital profile required for sustainability management and focus on developing talent that can drive corporate growth and address social issues.
Workplace Environment Policy
In line with our commitment to D&I, we strive to provide a fair and equitable workplace built on equal opportunity and mutual respect, supporting both individual growth and organizational success.
Occupational Health and Safety
To protect the safety and health of every employee, we will establish frameworks for continuous improvement and strive to create a safe and comfortable workplace.
We share the established basic policy within the Company and, in addition to steadily continuing existing initiatives, we respond flexibly and promptly to the ever-changing environment, and consistently implement measures to address emerging challenges.
Interview with the Head in charge of Human Resources
Driving Sustainable Growth at SMAS through Human Resources Reforms that Enable Challenging Individuals to Thrive
Shinichi Watabe
Managing Executive Officer, Manager in charge of Head Office (Responsible for Human Resources Dept. and General Affairs Dept.)
*The position is as of September 2025.
Read the Interview with the Head in charge of Human Resources
Accelerating Sustainable Management by Strengthening Human Capital for New Business Ventures
SMAS has continued to grow as a leading company in the auto leasing industry. However, with the arrival of a mobility society, social changes such as a declining and aging population, and advances in DX, the time has come for our approach to human resources and organizational structure to undergo a significant transformation. For SMAS to thrive in the coming era, our greatest engine will be our people. I believe that fostering a corporate culture which welcomes challenge and embraces change, while developing diverse talent with the skills and qualities required for the times, is one of the most critical priorities for sustainable management.
Going forward, SMAS will build upon its auto leasing core to expand into areas such as EVs, mobility services, partnerships with local governments, and global operations. To empower our employees to tackle these new frontiers with advanced skills and a challenger mindset, we will provide ample opportunities for them to develop IT literacy, professional expertise, language skills, and leadership capabilities. We are committed to a strategic staffing approach that actively positions motivated employees where they can create the greatest impact.