As the automotive industry undergoes a period of transformation, our company is leading the way in the shift toward Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV) while also proposing new user experiences that enhance the value of mobility. Our goal is to become the “Joy in Motion” design company. Achieving this vision requires us to continuously challenge new frontiers and maximize the potential of our global talent, fostering growth and collaboration.

At the heart of this effort is talent development. We aim to be recognized as the leading company in talent development. In the fall of 2024, we will establish our corporate university, “PAS University^※,” to support employees in shaping their career paths and developing the skills needed to achieve their aspirations.

Additionally, creating an environment where diverse talent can fully utilize their unique abilities requires ongoing improvements in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and workplace conditions. We are actively working to enhance education, training, and HR systems to ensure not only ease of work but also a sense of purpose and fulfillment for all employees.

The foundation supporting these efforts is our Mission, Vision, and Values. While staying true to the founding principles of our company, we have clearly defined the core beliefs that will guide us through this era of transformation. By aligning our global workforce with these values, we are accelerating the evolution and advancement of the mobility society.

Tomoka Ohashi, Executive Officer (CHRO)

We have launched our corporate university, “PAS University,” to provide a structured and practical learning environment for newly hired talent, while also offering opportunities to enhance expertise and update skills in various technical fields. Building on the Panasonic Group’s established know-how and curriculum in talent development, we aim to foster both organizational and individual growth. Employees can participate voluntarily as learners and even take on the role of instructors in their areas of expertise, promoting two-way communication and deeper engagement.

We support employees in shaping their ideal career paths and pursuing growth and challenges by fostering career awareness and development. In addition to regular 1-on-1 meetings with supervisors and career seminars, we provide a range of tools to connect employees’ proactive intentions with opportunities for success. These include a career consultation service, an expanded internal job posting system (called “Career PASport”^※), and the option for self-nomination for managerial roles.

Additionally, we have redefined higher-level roles for management positions along two key tracks: “Management” and “Professional.” To clarify roles and talent requirements, we have introduced role definition documents for all positions. These serve both as a guide for developing the skills necessary to fulfill these roles and as a roadmap for employees aspiring to those positions. This information is shared with all employees to support their growth.

We are focusing on developing executive management to envision and lead new management and business strategies. For current executives, we regularly hold management study sessions inviting external experts to incorporate new insights while facilitating deep discussions on our management issues to form a common understanding.

For developing executive candidates, we aim to identify potential talents early through regular human resource development meetings and consider assignments that contribute to their growth. We are fostering talents who can spearhead business transformations and innovations by utilizing external training and mentoring.

To create an environment where employees can work with high motivation and a sense of reward, we regularly conduct employee satisfaction surveys and work to improve the company culture both in workplace and in the overall organization. 

Starting from the 2022 fiscal year, we have implemented a system to reflect the results of employee engagement surveys in the evaluations and compensation of executives, thereby strengthening management commitment to improving the organization's culture.

To drive our growth in new areas, we are actively recruiting diverse talent who are eager to contribute to and grow within the significant transformations happening in both the automotive industry and our company. In particular, we are significantly expanding our recruitment of software talent to lead the evolution of vehicles and the shift towards Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs).

Through structured onboarding programs for new hires, we aim to foster an understanding of our company’s history and culture, build cross-functional connections, and deepen knowledge of the automotive industry and our ways of working. Additionally, we are enhancing specialized training programs to equip employees with the skills needed to thrive early in their careers, allowing them to leverage their diverse backgrounds and expertise.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) is an essential element in realizing our mission, vision, and values. The world around us is constantly evolving, with increasing diversity in perspectives and values. The automotive industry, in particular, is undergoing a once-in-a-century transformation, dramatically changing its value structure. In this environment, survival depends on the ability to adapt to change with flexibility and to drive innovation through diverse thinking. In short, diversity of thought is the foundation of corporate competitiveness. We are actively pursuing DEI initiatives to bring together diverse talent and ensure that everyone can fully express their individuality and capabilities. You can learn more on the following page.

Compliance is a fundamental principle for all of our business activities. We emphasize that each employee not only adheres to laws and regulations but also autonomously considers “what is right for society” without self-interest, fostering actions rooted in integrity.

Just like compliance, health and safety are fundamental to our business operations. We are committed to creating a workplace where employees can be both physically and mentally healthy, work safely, and fully utilize their abilities while collaborating as part of a high-performing team. We believe that fostering such an environment is essential for the company’s long-term, sustainable growth.