We are working to create an environment in which people with disabilities can demonstrate their abilities to work. In addition to operations at the head office and other sites around the country, employees with disabilities are engaged to provide cleaning services at the Chiba Complex as well as to provide cleaning and business support services at our Advanced Technology Research Laboratories. They also handle operations in the horticulture division (Idemitsu Yume Farm), which cultivates flowering plants using the greenhouse facilities of our laboratories. In 2019, we started a scheme of “team shuro” at the Tokuyama Complex, in which employees with disable form a team to tackle tasks together, and named this initiative as “Team ☆彡 Kirara ”. The team, under the slogan of “two people doing the work of two people”, is responsible of providing services for employees at the complex such as controlling an inventory of uniforms and cleaning service. In addition, we constructed a the strawberry plantation in the complex using waste hear from the site is contributing to create employment opportunities such as cultivation work. The strawberries are served at the cafeteria of the complex and are delighting everyone there.
Moreover, to further create opportunities where disabled people can thrive and grow, we are working to normalize the scheme of “team shuro” (as mentioned above) and this initiative is attracting applicants to the Company. We are also considering ways to promote the employment of people with disabilities in each department, and with a view to expanding operations at our head office, we will continue to promote the creation of workplaces and employment opportunities where people with disabilities can work with pride and enjoyment.
Tokuyama Complex opened a strawberry farm to create jobs for people with disabilities and make them feel challenged at work. The farm, which consists of an approximately 150-square-meter vinyl plastic house, utilizes the complex’s utilities such as industrial water, steam, and electricity. Working together with Yamaguchi Prefectural Technology Center for Agricultural and Forestry, the farm aims at harvesting its first strawberries in February. Strawberry cultivation began on November 6, and six personnel manage it under work-sharing system. All strawberries harvested will be served at the employee cafeteria.
The six personnel are engaged in the work of removing unnecessary leaves and cutting flowers that have not been successfully pollinated while receiving technical guidance from the Technology Center. They are cultivating strawberries carefully waiting with eager anticipation for the day when they can provide delicious strawberries to the employees of the complex. Both the tutors from Technology Center and the personnel put their best effort for this project.
The strawberry farm has created convivial society by receiving trainees from neighboring institutions such as special needs schools and offices that support the employment of persons with disabilities.
