Hitachi Rail

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Vision

At Hitachi we respect and value each other's uniqueness. Our culture drives the success of our mission to contribute to society by creating an environment where we collaborate and support each other. Because together, we are stronger.

Hitachi has a place for everyone, welcoming differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, neurodiversity, nationality, race, ethnicity, religion and world view.

We respect and value these and other characteristics because only through diversity can we drive innovation and creativity to contribute to society. Our commitment to diversity ensures long-term and sustainable business growth, improves our ability to serve global customers effectively and strengthens our global footprint. Additionally, embracing diversity helps us open new markets and attract, as well as retain, talents from all around the world.

Diversity is a fact

Diversity means that there is a place for everyone, regardless of their characteristic traits, and we embrace and value everyone’s unique contribution.

Equity is a choice

Equity means every employee has access to everything they need to succeed and is treated with fairness and transparency. At Hitachi, we recognize that each of us needs different conditions to thrive. We put policies, tools and reasonable accommodations in place to allow everyone to be able to access the same opportunities.

Inclusion is an action

Inclusion is ensuring everyone feels recognized and valued, and they are empowered to contribute to the organization at their best. We believe everyone should feel respected, heard, involved and able to speak up. It implies an open, empathetic culture and attitude that secures freedom of expression and psychological safety, where individuals are free to be themselves, without fearing negative consequences.

    Delivering our Vision

    To achieve our DEI vision, we are focusing on the following:

    We are committed to achieving gender equity throughout Hitachi by working to remove obstacles, provide equal chances and create structures that make it possible for colleagues of any gender to thrive. We believe that allies to any gender play a critical role in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion for everyone in the workplace. We encourage positive role models who stand for equity of all genders and challenge stereotypes.

    We want everyone in Hitachi to have equal opportunity of success regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or cultural background. We aim to attract and develop diverse talents, with our leadership reflecting the diverse nationalities and ethnic backgrounds of our markets.

    At Hitachi, we believe that the power generated by the close collaboration between generations leads to a positive and inclusive future. We are committed to providing equitable opportunities tailored to the strengths and values of each employee, transcending age, title, or position. We are committed to creating opportunities for the new generations while amplifying the power of all generations for sustainable and long-term business growth.

    We recognise, respect and support LGBTQIA+ colleagues in all their diversity and uniqueness. Our Group aims to build awareness for the community and encourage understanding for LGBTQIA+ individuals. We promote allyship, because we believe that allies play a decisive role in creating an open and safe environment where all of our colleagues are comfortable bringing their whole authentic selves to work.

    Hitachi thinks that strengthening the accessibility of our workplaces and tools is the first step towards disability and neurodiversity inclusion. Our commitment to individuals with disabilities and neurodivergence involves raising awareness and enhancing support for our colleagues while promoting continuous improvement of our workplaces, policies, HR systems, tools, and processes.

    Embracing DE&I is not just the right thing to do – it’s the source of our innovation and growth. Hitachi Rail’s aim is to become a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace, that fosters an inclusive culture, as part of our long-term strategic priorities.

    Rachele Nucci

    Director Talent Acquisition, Employee Engagement and DEI

    Making Global Progress

    Our DEI Global committee, launched in October 2023 is dedicated to supporting DEI, with a range of activities and content for people to get involved with and learn from. Our colleagues in all regions are encouraged to take part in DEI topic and demonstrate their commitment by joining our global DEI efforts. Learn more below…

    Under our newly formed DEI framework, BeYou, we have launched four employee networks to make sure our workforce has a voice and to support those in underrepresented groups. Our mission is to start the conversations that aren’t being had to increase the awareness and highlight actions that each of us can take to unlock the full potential of our employees. Our DEI strategy is being mapped out with the support of the National Centre for Diversity who will help guide us on our journey, keeping employees at the heart.

    • Four ERGs have been set up: Women’s Network, Pride ERG, Disability & Impairment ERG, Ethnic Diversity & Multi Faith ERG

    • A partnership with the National Centre for Diversity has been created

    • Partnership created in Hitachi Group and with external industry networks

    • Pilot of the ERG leaders training launched

    ERGs provide an environment where people feel safe and free to open up and express themselves. This also has a positive outcome to the outside in terms of attracting talent. DEI is not only about HR, but also about business, because it brings innovation and growth.

    ISO 30415 Certification: This is an internationally recognised Standard, which focuses on HR Management and the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace   Obtaining this certification is not only an achievement of Italy, but of the entire company globally, because it reflects the level of DEI maturity reached by Hitachi Rail.

    SHE ERG: SHE ERG (Sisters, raise our Head for Empowerment!) is the first Italian employee network.

    This network aims to:

    • Discuss topics of common interest to highlight the problems women encounter every day in the workplace and in the society and to share the difficulties we have in common;

    • Bring concrete proposals to mark a change of pace in the gender gap within our company

    Three global themes have been identified to develop in Japan:

    • Gender balance: more women across the business, especially within leadership roles

    • Cultural diversity: a team which reflects the global nature of our company

    • Multi-generation: colleagues are recognized based on competence, not on age

    Initiatives launched:

    • Sakura Project Mentoring program for targeted employees, focused on female employees from DEI perspective.