Sustainability

Commitment

All of the executives and partners of GMO Internet Group (hereinafter, "We") contribute to the development of a sustainable society by respecting human rights in every aspect of our corporate activities.

Respect for International Human Rights Standards

We provide support for the International Norms on Human Rights (such as "Universal Declaration of Human Rights," "UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights," "Children's Rights and Business Principles," and "The Core 8 Treaty Basic Principles of the ILO Declaration"), engage in business activities, and contribute to the development of human rights.

Elimination of Discrimination and Equal Opportunities

Under the "GMO Internet Group Venture Spirit Declaration," which embodies the spirit in which the company was founded, we state that "Eliminate any kind of prejudice on the grounds of race, nationality, gender, educational background, language, religion, or any other factors. Value people for their ability and merits." We provide equal opportunity for everyone. In addition to this, we do not tolerate all discrimination or harassment including gender identity and sexual orientation, age, disability, or illness.

Prohibition of Forced and Child Labor

We prohibit any and all forced labor and child labor and engage in business activities that observe compliance.

Management of Working Hours and Wages

We will comply with labor standards and all laws and regulations related to working hours, which are applied in countries and areas where we engage in business activities, and we will strive to reduce overtime hours. We will comply with labor standards and all laws and regulations related to wages, and strive to ensure the appropriate wage level for the basic needs of partners.

Maintenance of partners' safety and health

We exercise due care to maintain our partners' physical and mental health. We comply with the laws, regulations, and rules related to safety and health, which are applied in countries and areas where we engage in business activities, and work to maintain this by adopting appropriate measures to address health risks.

Privacy Protection and Freedom of Expression

We will respect and protect the privacy, freedom of expression, and right to hold opinions of our stakeholders, while ensuring that no one is interfered with and that all ideas and information are accessible.

Establishing the Reporting Point of Contact

We construct mechanisms for effective countermeasures to prevent the violation of human rights by establishing the appropriate reporting point of contact. We will sincerely support those whose human rights have been violated, providing relief.

Communication

In order to ensure the human rights of all stakeholders involved in business activities, we will communicate with relevant stakeholders about risks to human rights and measures to address their impact.

Structure

The Sustainability Promotion Committee, chaired by the Chairman, President & CEO, oversees the Company's efforts to address human rights issues, determines and oversees the Company's human rights activities, communicates the Human Rights Policy to all stakeholders, and actively promotes human rights awareness activities.

GMO Internet Group Helpline / Nadeshiko Helpline / Helpline

In order to discover, ameliorate, or prevent all compliance risks, including overall bribery and corruption prevention in business activities, and human rights infringements at an early stage, we have a system that enables partners to consult with the company or solve problems, without undue worry, if they become aware of fraudulent acts or illegal acts in work, or if they see or hear acts that may be illegal though it's uncertain whether the acts are clearly illegal. We also have female consultants in case the female partners are unlikely to consult with male consultants (available for use by male partners as well). Whistleblowing can also be anonymous.

We also prohibit retaliation against partners who report violations of laws and regulations to the Company on the basis of such reporting, and strive to prevent recurrence of such violations by responding in good faith so that those who have suffered human rights violations can receive redress.

A Human Resources System That Leverages Individual Strengths

Our human resources system is based on the following four fundamental principles:

1. Short and clearly defined evaluation periods.
2. Fair evaluations based on ability and performance, regardless of organizational size or job title.
3. A system where individuals can voluntarily step forward for opportunities.
4. A transparent and visible compensation structure.

Building on this foundation, we have implemented a system that enables each partner to leverage their strengths, further develop, and excel.

Additionally, in terms of self-development, we have established an environment where individuals can believe in their potential and proactively take on new challenges through initiatives such as the "Open Recruitment System" and "FA System," which capitalize on the strengths of our consolidated management approach.

Providing Learning Opportunities

• - We hold "GMO Academia" sessions two to three times a month as voluntary study groups. In these sessions, GMO Internet Group partners serve as instructors, sharing real-world case studies and expertise to promote knowledge-sharing across the entire group.
• - We provide training curriculums tailored to different job roles and levels to support employee skill development. Specifically, we offer training programs designed to strengthen fundamental skills and management capabilities, enhancing our partners' overall competencies.
• - Additionally, we offer comprehensive benefits, including support for professional certifications, to encourage self-development.

Case Studies of Our Initiatives

Comprehensive Childcare Support

• - Our return-to-work rate after parental leave reached 96% in FY2022. This is supported by our reduced working hours policy, which allows employees to work shorter hours until their child graduates from elementary school, helping partners balance work and parenting. We also promote awareness and understanding of parental leave for male employees through individual briefing sessions.
• - We have established an in-house daycare center, "GMO Bears," which provides childcare services during working hours and hosts parenting consultation sessions.
• - Additionally, we offer flexible working arrangements, including staggered work hours and a flextime system. For partners with special circumstances such as caregiving or childcare needs, we provide individualized support tailored to their situations.

Case Studies of Our Initiatives

Support Regions and Organizations

• - Individual partners are able to directly apply for interviews with the industrial physicians through a dedicated system. Partners can apply for interviews and consult the industrial physicians on their concerns without worrying about what their supervisors think.
• - Partners train for disasters each year, assuming the disaster is of the same magnitude as Great East Japan Earthquake, in preparation for emergency situations. Each location has an automated external defibrillator (AED) and the initial response manual that is needed when natural disasters occur.