Creating a comfortable working environment for staff with diverse backgrounds UTokyo D&I Actions and Messages
― UTokyo D&I Campaign 2022 ―
The University of Tokyo has launched a campaign aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion on campus, and making the university a place where people from diverse backgrounds can thrive. The initiative, called UTokyo D&I Campaign 2022, started in March 2022. Here, we introduce plans and actions related to D&I initiatives from members of the UTokyo community, including deans and directors of various UTokyo organizations.
Actions and Messages
Creating a comfortable working environment for staff with diverse backgrounds
Yuji GENDA, Director, Institute of Social Science
Since hiring an individual who uses a wheelchair, the Institute of Social Science has improved its working environment so that staff with disabilities can work comfortably. A ramp and a toilet for wheelchair users were already available. However, through talks with the individual, we found that there could be some evacuation difficulties in an emergency. We borrowed a stretcher from the Disability Services Office, which would be necessary for any evacuation involving going down stairs, and all the lab staff learned how to use it. Thanks to these efforts, we are able to ensure safe evacuation in an emergency.
For an international staff member who is not proficient in Japanese, other staff members support him in using the internal work management system, as only a Japanese guide for the system is available. The lab members provided English notes and additional explanations based on online auto-translating software to facilitate his understanding.
Through dialogue with our staff and with a foundation in diverse viewpoints, the Institute will continue to go forward to create a working environment where anyone can work comfortably.