Securing & Developing Human Resources

Basic Policy

Toward sustainable business growth, we will secure and nurture human resources capable of creating value different from the past by creating new opportunities for the human resources we have cultivated based on manufacturing and further expanding our various networks. In particular, in the promotion of “creating experiences (Koto-zukuri),” in addition to securing human resources with the thinking skills and high level of expertise to conceptualize new businesses, we will work to meet human resource needs through alliances with diverse partners while developing individuals who can continue to change and grow on their initiative.

Alps Alpine Group Code of Ethics (excerpt)

4-1. Mutual Understanding We will work together as colleagues with acceptance of diverse attributes and sets of values and mutual respect for one another’s character and individuality.

Securing Human Resources for Business Growth

Expansions of Software Human Resources

We are working to strengthen our global software development system through alliances and open innovation among companies, including a large-scale software development partnership with an Indian development company (Tata Elxsi Limited) and a capital and business alliance with a Web 3.0 infrastructure business operator (FreeBit Co., Ltd.). Furthermore, we focus on securing and developing human resources, such as expanding training programs for inexperienced IT professionals and entering into advisory contracts with highly specialized human resources. In fiscal 2022, a total of over 3,000 employees attended a total of 162 courses, including software training for all new employees.

Contract signed with Tata Elxsi

Contract signed with Tata Elxsi

Allocation of Human Resources in Response to Needs

As a system that respects each employee’s initiative and willingness to improve their expertise, we focus on an open human resources recruitment system. While combining this with company-led human resource rotations, we will disclose diverse human resource needs to deepen understanding of the Company and its business and encourage each individual to demonstrate their constructive abilities.

Expansion of Human Resources for New Business Creation

Promotion of Open Innovation

To adapt to changes in the business environment, such as the progress of digitalization and diversification of business models, we are accelerating the promotion of open innovation to propose customers’ value by selling “things” and “creating experiences (Koto-zukuri).” We are working to achieve business results and human resource development at the same time.

We have established the “Institute for Collaborative Creation of Connected Value” with Tohoku University. Furthermore, together with the University of Aizu and industry-academia collaboration, we are identifying and promoting research themes that lead to the creation of future value, with the objectives of “creating innovation,” “developing human resources,” and “solving social issues (contributing to the community).” In addition, in developing highly specialized human resources (software), we provide a variety of education through open innovation, including AI courses in collaboration with the Tokyo Institute of Technology and the acquisition of advanced development methods such as agile and model-based development.

Established the “Institute for Collaborative Creation of Connected Value” with Tohoku University.

Established the “Institute for Collaborative Creation of Connected Value” with Tohoku University.

Sensitivity Design-based Thinking Workshop with the University of Aizu

In fiscal 2022, we held a new “Sensitivity Design-based Thinking Workshop” for students at the University of Aizu and our young engineers, with a professor from the University of Aizu as a lecturer. The participants learned and experienced innovative problem-solving methods originating in Japan that incorporate elements of sensitivity (intuition, emotion, and inspiration) based on understanding users’ potential needs and insights and design-based thinking, which are essential for creating new businesses. This was well received by participating students and employees and will be continued in the following fiscal year and beyond.

Workshop with the University of Aizu

Workshop with the University of Aizu

Retention and Development of New and Young Employees

Training is provided at different stages in time to support the development of new employees.

flow

First-Year Training

First-year training imparts knowledge that new employees need to know about the transition from student to working life, basic company training, and the different job types and businesses. This is done through lectures and group exercises.
With the aim of enhancing development of software-related personnel, we incorporate e-learning-based software training. In the second half of the training period, participants have an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.

Manufacturing Training

As a company that manufactures products, new employees undergo one and a half months of manufacturing training in actual manufacturing operations. During that time, the new employees are asked to look out for any wastefulness and determine whether tasks are undertaken efficiently, before presenting proposals to frontline personnel.

Third-Year Training

This is training for young employees reaching the end of their initial phase of employment in their third year. Employees learn what is expected of them now they are in their third year and review their own weaknesses and strengths based on a questionnaire completed by colleagues in advance. It gets them thinking about how to proceed going forward, including their career options.
During the training, participants prepare an action plan that they will consciously seek to implement back in the workplace. Drawing on not only their own ideas, but also conversations with one another, the plan takes participants a step closer to achieving expected improvements in role behavior.

Development of Management Personnel

Practicing and Promoting Dialogue-Based Management

Dialogue and mutual understanding among senior executives, managers and employees are vital for bringing out the strengths of diverse and autonomous individuals, allowing us to achieve the best possible results as an organization along with sustainable corporate growth. In fiscal 2021, we held a workshop for senior managers on the theme of "Dialogue and Organizational Transformation." It was an opportunity for each participant to embrace the task of developing an organization where employees can get a feel for their own growth and ambitions. For managers, we held training that covered the key elements of system changes and communication skills for encouraging employees to take the initiative.

New manager and new senior manager training is provided for employees taking up additional managerial responsibility to strengthen their understanding of the role and their management abilities. Newly appointed managers also get to better acquaint themselves with the philosophy of founder Katsutaro Kataoka and Alps Alpine culture through a visit to the Alps Alpine Culture Museum "Shoshikan" housed inside the founder's former private residence.
To firmly entrench dialogue-based management, we are now looking to promote the approach among assistant managers – our frontline leaders – given that we cannot adapt to change solely through management personnel.

Education and Training Framework(Alps Alpine Co., Ltd.)

Education and Training Framework(Alps Alpine Co., Ltd.)

Continuously Growing Individuals

It has become challenging to foresee the future by extending the conventional approach. With this in mind, each individual must be willing to keep updating themself. We have introduced an online learning service for all employees starting in fiscal 2022, aiming to expand our antennae of reach for business principles and global trends without relying on past experience and know-how. In the first year, more than 600 employees used this service.

Human resources development expenses (non-consolidated) Fiscal 2020 Fiscal 2021 Fiscal 2022
¥12,653 ¥15,087 ¥20,302