Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Otsuka) has established a new "Self-care leave" system for employees to be introduced on January 1, 2024.

At Otsuka, we believe that the active participation of a diverse workforce and a culture of mutual respect can drive innovation and global expansion. Therefore, we position Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) as one of our management strategies and actively advance initiatives to foster a work-friendly environment, including introducing meaningful HR systems.

While our "Accumulated paid leave" system has been available for infertility treatment and the treatment of menopausal symptoms, Otsuka has implemented a new Self-care leave system that is open to all employees and eliminates the requirement to specify reasons for the leave.

With the introduction of the Self-care leave system, employees, irrespective of gender, are now eligible to utilize up to five days annually for undergoing infertility treatment or the treatment of menopausal symptoms, gender reassignment surgery, hormone therapy, and others. Furthermore, the applicability of the Accumulated paid leave system has been broadened to include usage during "Menstrual leave" and Self-care leave.

As a company in constant pursuit of innovation, we will continue our efforts to create a diverse workplace environment that brings out the individual strengths of each employee.

• D&I at Otsuka Pharmaceutical　https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/sustainability/diversity/

To foster innovative products and services that drive the company's growth, Otsuka recognizes the importance of leveraging the contributions of a diverse workforce. Top management actively promotes D&I, believing it is a key driver for success. In 2007, they established the "Diversity Promotion Project" (now known as the "Diversity & Inclusion Promotion Project"), and today, the project's mission is to create an inclusive working environment for all employees, regardless of their backgrounds.

• List of Otsuka Pharmaceutical's systems and measures related to D&I　　https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/sustainability/diversity/support-scheme/