Governance
Compliance Management
Group Policy
Pursuing Open and Aboveboard Business Activities
Based on our Group’s corporate philosophy, the Sysmex Way, and our Shared Values, we define compliance as “the conduct of open and aboveboard business activities based on the observance of laws and regulations and high ethical standards”. In accordance with this definition, we have established a Global Compliance Code, in which conformance rules and behavioral guidelines for all Group executives and employees are detailed. This code, written in Japanese, was translated into many languages so all Group executives and employees would be able to understand and adhere to it.
Compliance Promotion Structure
Sysmex considers compliance violations to be the most serious type of risk that could damage the trust that society places in us. Under the Group-wide risk management structure, we have established a Compliance Committee as an umbrella organization to promote and enhance compliance.
The chairperson of the Compliance Committee works to ensure compliance throughout the Group as the Group Compliance Officer. Under the Group-wide policy, each Group company, both in Japan and overseas, has appointed its own compliance officer to uphold compliance. The Compliance Committee monitors Group-wide compliance promotion activities and their progress. We also conduct an annual internal audit of compliance based on risk assessment results. In fiscal 2024, we audited our compliance with the Labor Standards Act, and other laws and regulations. Furthermore, our compliance promotion structure is annually assessed by a third party as part of our internal controls.
In the event of a major or potential compliance violation that would significantly affect the Group or a Group company, the compliance officer of the relevant company will immediately notify the Group Compliance Officer. After receiving this report, the Group Compliance Officer will proceed to report on the event to the Internal Control Committee, chaired by the President, and members of the Managing Board and Audit & Supervisory Committee. We will also disclose information on events that require it in accordance with information disclosure regulations.
There were 19 ethics incidents in fiscal 2024, but no serious violations.
Whistleblowing System
Sysmex has built a global system whereby all the employees of the Group can consult or report on compliance issues, including bribery and human rights abuses. Specifically, in addition to the whistleblowing hotlines placed and administrated by the Compliance Officer of each regional headquarter to accept any reports and consultations from Group employees in each region, the Group Compliance Officer established the Global Compliance Hotline (GCH), through which all Group employees can directly consult with or report to Sysmex Corporation headquarters. These whistleblowing hotlines are operated by the independent external service providers. In the Japan region, consultations and reporting on compliance issues related to the management team can be handled by the Audit and Supervisory Committee members who serve as a whistleblowing hotline.
When accepting a report or consultation regarding a potential compliance violation, the Legal Affairs Department normally takes the lead in investigating the facts. If a compliance violation is confirmed, corrective measures are promptly taken, and preventive measures against recurrence are implemented.
Employees seeking consultation or making reports can remain anonymous through any of these whistleblowing channels. Information received through these channels is handled confidentially. Sysmex prohibits dismissal or any other disadvantageous treatment in any way of individuals for consulting or reporting. If an executive or employee of a Group company violates this principle, disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the internal rules of the respective Group company and the laws and regulations of the respective country and/or region.
We promote the early detection of compliance violations by disseminating information about such systems to all the Group employees via the intranet and through training.
In addition, the Compliance Committee monitors the operational status of the whistleblowing system. In fiscal 2024, a total of 17 reports were received through the whistleblowing system, from Japan and overseas.
Compliance Education
Providing Education on Compliance
Sysmex views employee education and awareness activities as the foundation of promoting and ensuring compliance, and regularly offers training. During new employee and rank-based training, we take the opportunity to foster an understanding of the Global Compliance Code.
In fiscal 2024, we conducted multilingual global compliance training for all Group employees in accordance with the compliance education policy shared within the Group. This ensures that employees thoroughly understand and consider the importance of compliance, the Global Compliance Code, appropriate responses when a compliance violation is discovered, and other necessary matters.