DIC Rates 3.5 Stars in the Second Nikkei Smart Work Survey —High marks in key categories, including human resources, underpins improvement in rating from the previous year—

Tokyo, Japan– DIC Corporation announced that it earned a 3.5-star rating in the Second Nikkei Smart Work Survey, conducted in connection with the Nikkei Smart Work Project, an initiative by Nikkei Inc. designed to support companies working to enhance productivity through work style reform and technological innovation and to contribute to socioeconomic sustainability and global competitiveness over the medium to long term.

Nikkei uses the Nikkei Smart Work Survey to rate the success of participating companies in translating smart work practices into improved performance, assigning stars (5, 4.5, 4, 3.5 or 3) to top achievers. These ratings are based on a relative assessment of participating companies’ responses to survey questions, as well as on polls of consumers, businesspeople and Nikkei journalists and external data, in the categories of human resources, innovation and market development. DIC’s rating of 3.5 stars, an improvement from 3 stars a year ago, was underpinned by high marks given actions taken in these categories. In human resources, these included actions to promote the implementation and use of technology, notably the adoption of tools to encourage global information sharing and the use of artificial intelligence in product development, and actions to help realize diverse and flexible work styles, such as the introduction of a telecommuting system and implementation of measures to advance the careers of female employees.

As stated in its basic sustainability policy, the DIC Group is dedicated to conducting its business while retaining a strong commitment to five key concepts: preserving safety and health, ensuring fair business practices and respect for diversity and human rights, maintaining harmony with the environment and advancing its protection, managing risks, and creating value for society through innovation.

Going forward, the DIC Group will step up efforts to enhance its market development capabilities. Through constant innovation, the Group will also strive to create enhanced value and to contribute to sustainable development for its customers and society.

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