2025/02/03
Creating a pleasant working environment
At ADVICS, we are promoting the creation of a workplace where everyone can work comfortably, regardless of whether they have a disability or not. For example, we have introduced an app that visualizes conversations, held study sessions aimed at mutual understanding, assigned specialized counselors, set up multiple consultation desks, and set up interviews with external specialist institutions.
This time, we will introduce a sign language club that was started by employees.
Expanding communication through sign language
In May 2023, volunteers at the Kariya Plant formed a sign language circle. The circle meets twice a month during lunch breaks with the aim of using sign language to communicate with everyone in a fun way. The instructors are two employees who are themselves hearing impaired. Employees who are interested in sign language are free to participate, and a total of 5 sessions have been held to date (as of the end of January 2).

The opportunity to form the circle arose from a conversation in the workplace. Hearing-impaired employees said things like, "There are times when I feel like I can't communicate well because of the time lag," and "I can't keep up with the conversation and sometimes feel left out." So, in collaboration with life counselors, the Personnel and General Affairs Department's disability employment officer, and the factory management office, a sign language circle was launched. Specific activities include practicing sign language, explaining about hearing impairments, and setting aside time for questions and answers. Employees from various departments participate in each circle, and sometimes members from other companies who come to the company for meetings also participate. First, they learned about hearing impairments and sign language, and have steadily deepened mutual understanding.

To expose even more employees to sign language, sign language courses are also introduced on monitors in cafeterias, in the ADVICS Group's internal newsletter on the Web, and on a video site for Aisin Group employees.
Voice of participants
・I am hearing impaired, but I don't usually use sign language, so I participated in this event to learn and interact with others. I am having a lot of fun communicating in sign language, as I am gradually remembering the sign language I learned a long time ago.
・I have participated in the circle several times and feel that my sign language level has improved. Sign language is widely used at my workplace, so I plan to continue participating in the circle in the future to further improve my level.
・I am participating in this event because I hope to be able to communicate with hearing-impaired members of my workplace using sign language. I will continue to participate in the event so that I can confidently say, "My special skill is sign language!"

in conclusion
In our company,Diversity training for supervisors,Work Style Roundtable,Active efforts to employ people with disabilitiesWe are taking various measures to promote diversity. ADVICS will continue to listen to the voices of our employees and create a work environment where everyone can thrive.