The Group employs approximately 290,000 people in over 40 countries and regions around the world. For the Group to survive global competition and continue to grow, it is essential to make full use of all its resources, including its technologies, products, and business models. Above all, the Group believes that securing and utilizing excellent human capital to support these resources is of utmost importance.
Accordingly, based on “Respect for Human Resources,” indicated in the Sumitomo Spirit, the Group strives to develop global human capital who will drive sustainable growth. At the same time, the Group continues to support diversity and inclusion (D&I) and demonstrate the Group’s integrated power on a global scale in order to realize the Sumitomo Electric Group 2030 VISION.

In accordance with the Sumitomo Spirit, the Group has always placed importance on human capital in its management. In 2011, in order to clarify the basic policy regarding human capital, the Group formulated the Global HRM Policy.

Based on the policy, the Group is committed to “investing in people” by developing human capital, improving engagement, supporting organizational diversity, and improving the workplace environment. The Group is engaged in the solidification of the foundation for becoming a group where all human capital can excel, grow and contribute to society, as indicated in 2030 VISION, and linking these efforts to continuously increase corporate value.

Based on the Fundamental Policy on Sustainability Management, formulated by the Sustainability Management Promotion Committee, the Human Resources and D&I Promotion Committee discusses initiatives regarding human capital of the Group.

For our basic views , specific initiatives, and achievements regarding “Human Capital Development,” “Diversity & Inclusion,” “Improvement of the Workplace Environment,” “Promotion of Health and Productivity management,” and “Human Rights,” please refer to the respective theme pages.

To determine the current level of ownership of the Sumitomo Spirit, Vision, and Management Plan, as well as the current level of establishment of a cohesive organizational climate, the Group conducts an engagement survey. In fiscal 2024, the survey was conducted of approximately 65,000 employees (an increase of approximately 11,000 employees from the previous year) at 165 Group companies both in Japan and overseas (an increase of 45 companies from the previous year). The results will be used to examine measures to increase the value of human capital, and feedback will be provided to managers at each workplace to serve as a reference for workplace operations. Analysis of the survey results confirms that ownership of the Sumitomo Spirit is becoming more widespread. An analysis of changes over time in the approximately 1,400 workplaces that have participated in the survey on an ongoing basis shows that approximately 60% of workplaces have improved as a result of workplace improvement activities such as ensuring many more opportunities for interaction and strengthening the communication of departmental policies.