SMBC Group actively undertakes work style reforms to create working environments that foster enthusiasm and stimulate the motivation of every employee, including those working restricted hours. Reforms also aim to improve overall productivity.

To make sure that initiatives in the area of work style reform are implemented smoothly, we have set target for the acquisition rate for paid leave.

SMBC Group regularly monitors the working conditions in member companies; works to comply with all applicable laws and regulations; strives to eliminate overtime work; and endeavors to improve the working environment and reduce working hours. As per policy, each company is working to, in addition to exceeding minimum wage, adequately meet the equal-pay-for-equal-work requirement introduced in April 2020 and to maintain an environment in which all employees can feel satisfied with their jobs, regardless of their employment status.

Group companies utilize a variety of work styles – flextime, staggered start times, variable working hours, specialist-class/project team-class discretionary working arrangements, etc. – while SMBC Nikko Securities has introduced a three-/four-day work week system and otherwise established flexible work systems that match the lifestyles and duties of individual employees.

Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company and SMBC Finance Services also allow sidejobs, including employment at other companies, with the aim of supporting independent pursuit of challenges and generating innovation through the formation of personal networks and the broadening of values.

We are working to make reforms to our corporate culture. In order to create an environment in which it is easy to take on new challenges that are not restrained by precedent or standard thinking, we introduced a "Dress Code Free" policy. This makes it possible for employees to freely choose their own garments in line with TPO.