The number of new job applications from people with mental or intellectual disabilities, as well as the statutory employment rate, is increasing and on the rise.
We believe that our company must also respond to these needs. However, in our company’s history, we have mainly improved workplaces to make them more accessible for people with physical disabilities, continuing production activities in a “barrier-free” environment. To create a workplace where a more diverse range of people with intellectual or mental disabilities can work, we recognize the challenge of preparing roles that allow individuals, including existing employees, to maximize their abilities while deepening our understanding of the characteristics of various disabilities. Therefore, we have launched “"Uni-Mono".”.

◆ Our Universal Manufacturing Concept

“A workplace where people with and without disabilities who wish to work can maximize their functions.”

◆ Definition

It is an environment or system where people from five or more functional categories can work on the targeted business.

◆ Universal Manufacturing

State of diversity and inclusion, and universal design

Change the perspective on disability categories

Initially, we classified disabilities into nine categories along with the elderly. However, in practice, we found that intellectual and mental disabilities share common characteristics with developmental disabilities. By classifying developmental disabilities separately, the concept became complex and caused confusion in our efforts.
Therefore, it became necessary to subdivide the categories and clarify the definitions.

Intellectual/mental disabilities have been reclassified as "brain function disabilities," and physical disabilities have been reclassified as "physical function disabilities," creating two categories of functional disabilities. Furthermore, intellectual, mental, and developmental disabilities have been categorized based on the abilities required for tasks, such as judgment, calculation, interpersonal skills, and reading comprehension. This approach allows for functional analysis regardless of the presence of disabilities.
Additionally, for lower limb, upper limb, and visual impairments, a "severe" category has been added. Since the existing employment forms do not account for the elderly, a total of 12 subcategories have been organized.

Functional Analysis Table

Based on the characteristics of each category, determine the corresponding process standards and countermeasure images. Evaluate whether each work process corresponds to each category with a ○(Can) or ×(Cannot).
For those marked with ×(Cannot), implement countermeasures and work towards standardization to achieve a ○(Can).

Creating a Functional Analysis Table

Uni-Mono: For the relevant tasks, it is an environment and system where work can be performed in more than five functional categories.

◆ Determine the standards and countermeasure images for the corresponding line based on the characteristics of each category.
◆ Evaluate whether each work process corresponds to each category with a circle or cross.
◆ For crosses, implement countermeasures and aim to standardize them.

Implementation of Countermeasures: Video Documentation of Procedures "Reading Comprehension Strategies"

Due to the difficulty in comprehending the work instructions and key points outlined in the operation manuals used in the production site, it was determined that they did not meet the criteria for “Yuni-Mono”. In response, the workplace leaders and other staff members reviewed the procedures and identified the areas that were not well understood. Subsequently, the operation manuals were converted into videos, complete with audio and subtitles to enhance clarity. Ultimately, the option to choose between text and audio made the content accessible and understandable to everyone, regardless of any disabilities. These videos were reviewed from multiple perspectives, including those of individuals with hearing impairments, to ensure effective communication and understanding for a diverse audience.

Implementation of Measures: Video Documentation of Procedures "Efforts to Aid Comprehension"

Nikoniko Board (※Nikoniko means smiling.)
We started an initiative to support individuals who have difficulty communicating and are unable to convey their health issues, leading to early departures, sudden absences, and disruptions in work.
Every morning, employees place a mark on a "Smiley Board" to indicate their health condition.
If someone continues to feel unwell, the leader encourages them to take planned leave, fostering proactive communication as a routine practice.
Additionally, by recording and databasing the Smiley Board entries, we have been able to easily identify individual patterns.
This has increased the frequency of checking in with employees before their health deteriorates, resulting in fewer sudden absences and improved attendance rates.

Results of the efforts

""Uni-Mono"" started in the 2017 fiscal year with one product line in our manufacturing department, and using that as a model, it has now been expanded to all product lines.
As a result, our manufacturing department has made progress in creating an environment where people can work regardless of whether they have disabilities. Furthermore, it can be said that we have created a workplace environment that meets the employment needs of people with intellectual and mental disabilities to some extent.

To achieve these results, it was necessary not only to work on ""Uni-Mono"" but also to perform daily tasks diligently, which must have been a significant challenge. However, the efforts have led to additional positive outcomes, such as improved attendance rates and enhanced communication, which can be considered the fruit of the efforts of all employees involved in ""Uni-Mono"."

In particular, the video documentation of work procedures was highly evaluated as an excellent item when we received the "Monisu Certification“^*1in the 2021 fiscal year.

*1: A certification system for small and medium-sized enterprises that excel in employing people with disabilities.
The Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare certifies small and medium-sized enterprises that have excellent implementation of measures to promote and stabilize the employment of people with disabilities. (Excerpt from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website)

Regarding the future

⇒ We will continue to create a workplace where people who wish to work can maximize their abilities.

Our company's initiatives for '"Uni-Mono"' are progressing from the manufacturing department to the indirect (administrative) department, creating a workplace where individuals who wish to work can fully utilize their abilities.