Aflac Japan honored for support of working women

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry recognizes Aflac for diversity

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Apr 06, 2015, 09:14 ET

COLUMBUS, Ga., April 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac, the leading provider of voluntary insurance at the work site in the United States and one of FORTUNE's 2014 Blue Ribbon companies, announced today that Aflac Japan has been honored for its efforts on behalf of women in the workplace by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The company was among just four insurers – and the only American insurer – recognized as part of the Diversity Management Selection 100 project.

According to the selection committee, Aflac was chosen based on its commitment to actively recruiting and activating female potential in the workplace; the number of women in managerial positions; and providing opportunities for all employees, regardless of gender, for career advancement.

"Over the last 40 years in Japan, Aflac has worked to promote diversity and expand opportunities for women in the workplace," Paul S. Amos II, president of Aflac and head of Global Operations, said. "We have always strongly embraced the role of women, not only as workers, but as leaders of our company."

Aflac is in step with overall efforts in Japan to promote women's participation in the workforce. As part of his country's growth strategy, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is supporting efforts to increase opportunities for women. The endeavor, known as "Womenomics," reflects Japan's recognition that the country has an untapped resource in its highly educated and skilled female population.

Aflac Japan has supported the role of women in the workplace since its inception in 1974. Of its 16 founding members, nine were women. Amos noted that women currently hold 17.6 percent of the company's leadership positions, and his goal is to increase the number to 30 percent by 2020.

"We are deeply honored to be recognized for our diversity efforts by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry," Amos said. "We're committed to fostering workplace diversity and maintaining an environment in which every employee can fully achieve his or her potential."

Last year, in the lead-up to celebrations marking Aflac's 40^th year of Japan operations, the company reaffirmed its commitment to diversity by establishing a leadership development program offering women additional training, coaching, mentoring and networking opportunities. The goal is to encourage women to view themselves as valued employees and groom them for present and future leadership positions.

ABOUT AFLAC
When a policyholder gets sick or hurt, Aflac pays cash benefits fast. For nearly six decades, Aflac insurance policies have given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. In the United States, Aflac is the leading provider of voluntary insurance at the work site. Through its trailblazing One Day Pay(SM) initiative, Aflac U.S. can receive, process, approve and disburse payment for eligible claims in one business day. In Japan, Aflac is a leading provider of medical and cancer insurance and insures 1 in 4 households. Aflac individual and group insurance products help provide protection to more than 50 million people worldwide. For nine consecutive years, Aflac has been recognized by Ethisphere magazine as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies. In 2015, Fortune magazine recognized Aflac as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for the 17^th consecutive year. Also, in 2015, Fortune magazine included Aflac on its list of Most Admired Companies for the 14th time, ranking the company No. 1 in innovation for the insurance, life and health category. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac and One Day Pay(SM), visit aflac.com or espanol.aflac.com.

Media contact – Catherine Blades, 706.596.3014; FAX: 706.320.2288, or [email protected].

Analyst and investor contact – Robin Y. Wilkey, 706.596.3264 or 800.235.2667, FAX: 706.324.6330, or [email protected]

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