Thus far, Advantest has implemented various initiatives for employee health and productivity, including measures on lifestyle disease prevention, mental health, and abstinence from smoking. To further promote these initiatives, we have decided to incorporate Health and Productivity Management, and in September 2019, we formulated a Declaration of HPM Policy.
Since establishing the Declaration of HPM Policy, Advantest, our domestic Group companies, the health insurance association, and labor union have come together to promote health check-ups, boost the implementation rate of specified health guidance, and introduce a health portal site, along with various other activities that directly affect employee health. These activities include online dieting/smoking cessation programs, encouraging exercise using a mobile app-based health promotion, and health literacy training.
We have also actively made efforts to encourage work-life balance. In November 2020, Advantest obtained the "Eruboshi" certification based on the Act on Promotion of Women's Participation and Advancement in the Workplace, and in February 2021, we obtained the "Kurumin" certification mark based on the Act on Advancement of Measures to Support Raising Next-Generation Children. Advanfacilities Co., Ltd. also obtained the "Eruboshi" certification in July 2022.
Furthermore, we have taken thorough measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection, such as issuing notifications from top-level management to prioritize health, and thorough implementation of remote working. As a result of these efforts, Advantest has once again been recognized under the 2023 Certified Health & Productivity Management Outstanding Organizations Recognition Program, which is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Nippon Kenko Kaigi (Japan Health Council), as one of the organizations in the large enterprise category. At the same time, METI has certified Advantest as one of the "White 500"–the top 500 corporations recognized under the program–for the third consecutive year. In addition, all seven group companies in Japan have been certified as well for the first time.