Konica Minolta Fosters Equality with Pride

The month of June marks Pride Month, and Konica Minolta is making strides in advancing LGBTQ+ equality by nurturing a work culture where everyone truly belongs. We are taking a multi-pronged, year round approach to supporting our LGBTQ+ employees and allies, ensuring that our LGBTQ+ employees are empowered day-in and day-out, not only during the month of June.

Below are 4 ways we are advocating for LGBTQ+ employees and allies:

Launching a dedicated LGBTQ+ employee network

In 2021 we launched Vibrant, an employee network dedicated to fostering safe spaces for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies within Konica Minolta. Led by a small group of employees determined to give voice to Konica Minolta’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender employees, the group has blossomed into a thriving support network with its sights set on education, community outreach and recruiting to drive meaningful change at work.

Emphasizing DEI learning

Boosting the visibility of LGBTQ+ issues is a foundational aspect of the DEI strategy. Pursuant to that goal, the Vibrant team is hosting two learning sessions for employees during Pride month.

• Transgender and Non Binary Identities: We’ve teamed up with Garden State Equality, a national nonprofit focused on advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, to deliver a presentation about transgender and non binary identities with practical tips on how to foster inclusive spaces at work.
• Building and Sustaining Employee Networks: Konica Minolta is a global enterprise with 40,000 employees worldwide. We are partnering with colleagues around the world to have a pertinent conversation about the role of employee resource groups or networks at work. Featuring opening remarks from the Chief Human Resources Officer of Konica Minolta Inc., Shinichiro Oka, this session is sure to spur a ripple effect across the globe.

Enhancing the employee experience

Employees stay with companies because of how they are treated each day while at work. We aim to evolve and improve our workplace culture with ongoing feedback from our employees. In an effort to drive internal support systems that embody our corporate values, we are pleased to promote the following activities this June:

• Pronouns: Out of respect to our co-workers (and customers) who are transgender, non-binary, genderqueer or any gender identity, it is important to learn how to properly use gender-inclusive and gender neutral language. We are encouraging employees to share pronouns in places like email signatures and Zoom profiles to minimize the stress that transgender people face by creating space for them to do the same. At the end of the day, it’s important to realize that no one’s pronouns should be assumed and sharing your pronouns is helpful for everyone!
• Flying the Pride flag: The Pride flag will be prominently displayed at our North American corporate headquarters in Ramsey, New Jersey to signify the company’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion during the month of June.

Leveraging insights from thought leaders

We recognize that we don’t have all the answers to address inequality in our society. We frequently look to thought leaders such as the Human Rights Campaign to support our efforts in dismantling discrimination and leveling the playing field. The HRC has a robust toolkit of resources and templates on their website.

Addressing cultural norms through education and training as well as policy enhancements are fundamental facets of diversity, equity and inclusion work. We are taking a thoughtful approach to strengthening allyship across our business so that all employees are comfortable being their best selves. Promoting awareness, inclusion, and allyship are critical inputs on our diversity, equity, and inclusion journey that will enable the game changing business results we work towards each day.