Disability Inclusivity: Panasonic Joins The Valuable 500
The Valuable 500 was launched in 2019 at the World Economics Forum Annual Meeting.
It holds people accountable to deliver shared purpose, collaborates with those who share its values and holds events to share its message.
Katy Talikowska, CEO of the Valuable 500 says: “Every company that joins the Valuable 500 propels us forward in our mission to build an inclusive world for the 1.3 billion people with disabilities.
“Panasonic Group’s pledge to take action and be accountable for change is a testament to its leadership and the power of our collective efforts as we approach SYNC25.”
Katy has been CEO at The Valuable 500 for more than two years.
She has had an extensive career path beforehand that includes the creation of the award-winning 2016 Malteser Disability campaign.
“This year marks 30 years since the Disability Discrimination Act and 15 years of the UK Equality Act, but real change only happens when we take action,” Katy says.
“I’m reminded of the power of collaboration and our responsibility to create a future where everyone can thrive. The journey ahead is clear, and I’m excited about the tangible steps we’re taking through initiatives like SYNC25, the Authentic Representation Tool and the Generation Valuable programme.”
What is SYNC25?
SYNC25 is the world’s first Accountability Summit on Disability Inclusion.
The Valuable 500 says: “SYNC25 represents a pivotal moment in our mission to end disability exclusion and marks the start of a decade of accountability for our partners and companies.
“It will bring together Valuable 500 CEOs, C-suite leaders, next-generation leaders and representatives from the global disability community to review progress, set agendas and accelerate inclusion for the 1.3 billion people living with disabilities worldwide.”
Panasonic Group’s commitments
Panasonic has joined the more than 500 companies worldwide taking on The Valuable 500’s values and commitments.
These commitments include:
- Fostering career development
Panasonic Group says “we are cultivating a work environment where all employees, including those with disabilities, can grow and contribute meaningfully.”
- Improving accessibility
“Going beyond legal compliance, we are promoting work environments that are tailored to meet voiced needs.
“We encourage employees to take the initiative and design accessibility maps, as accessibility remains a shared priority at every level of the organisation,” Panasonic Group continues.
- Building community and connection
“Employees voluntarily join Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), through which they drive workplace improvements and social impact activities.
“Members of our management team also proactively join these initiatives, reflecting the voices of employees in management,” says Panasonic Group
- Establishing sustainable pathways for support
Panasonic group finished on: “We take on technical trainees with disabilities for internships and include those with disabilities among the junior and high school students that we accept for work study programs to support the next generation of workers.”
Konosuke Matsushita founded Panasonic in 1918.
Konosuke was handicapped by poor health, lack of formal schooling and early loss of his family, but still managed to grow Panasonic into a world wide successful business.
Panasonic says: “Panasonic starts with a desire to create things of value. As hard work and dedication result in one innovative product after another, the fledgling company takes its first steps towards becoming the electronics giant of today.”
His legacy lives on in Panasonic who follow his words to continue to grow the company.
Panasonic has created a museum following Konosuke on his journey of life.
Panasonic Group says it will “strive to design a world where diverse people respect one another and realise their full potential.”
Following the philosophy of Konosuke Matsushita, who once said “Every single person has their heaven-sent qualities found in no other, and success in life depends on making the most of our unique qualities.”
