Harnessing Global Talent for a Sustainable Future

In today's rapidly evolving world, the convergence of human resources and sustainability is more critical than ever. As we face pressing global challenges, from climate change to economic instability, the role of human resources (HR) in driving sustainability has become a focal point for forward-thinking companies. 

As a long-established corporate leader, TDK is embracing a renewed long-term vision: "TDK Transformation - Accelerating transformation for a sustainable future," where we are laser-focused on attracting, developing, and nurturing talent that resonates with our values aimed at transforming society for a sustainable future.

At TDK Corporation, we recognize that leveraging global HR talent is essential to our mission:  to build a better future society through our innovative technology and products, focusing on areas such as affordable and clean energy, health and well-being, and responsible consumption.

We believe there is an intricate relationship between HR and sustainability. Our goal in 2024 is to attract top talent, foster inclusivity, and promote continuous learning, all while highlighting TDK’s commitment to global sustainability goals and initiatives.

The Future of HR and Sustainability as an Interconnected Journey

The intersection of HR and sustainability is not just a trend but a necessity. People's actions within an organization significantly impact its sustainability outcomes. 

At TDK, we understand that every decision our team members make, from resource management to daily operations, contributes to our overarching sustainability goals. As we move forward, it is crucial to embed sustainable practices into the core of our HR strategies. 

This means not only recruiting individuals who share our vision but also fostering a culture where sustainability is a shared responsibility. By aligning our HR policies with our sustainability objectives, we ensure that every team member is empowered to contribute to a sustainable future.

Innovative Strategies in a Competitive Job Market

The current global job market is fiercely competitive, with companies vying for top talent to power their futures. At TDK, we have implemented strategies to attract and retain the best minds. This includes offering competitive benefits, creating a flexible and inclusive work environment, and providing career growth and development opportunities. 

We leverage digital platforms to reach a global talent pool, ensuring diversity and inclusion in our hiring process. Additionally, we emphasize our commitment to sustainability, which resonates with candidates who prioritize environmental and social responsibility. By doing so, we attract individuals who are not only skilled but also passionate about contributing to a sustainable future.

Fostering a "TDK United" Mindset

Fostering a "TDK United" mindset is pivotal to TDK's success. This spirit of unity connects our team members across regions, functions, and business units, empowering them to support our vision and strategy. 

We believe that a united workforce is more effective in driving sustainability initiatives. By promoting collaboration and communication, we ensure that our team members work together towards common goals. Fostering a sense of belonging and purpose, this approach also allows us to leverage diverse perspectives and expertise, leading to innovations that benefit both the company and society.

Commitment to Inclusive Practices

Inclusivity is at the heart of TDK's HR strategy. We are committed to creating an environment where every employee feels valued and respected, regardless of background. From accessibility to LGBTQ+ issues to diversity training, our inclusive practices ensure that we harness the full potential of our diverse workforce, driving innovation and sustainability. 

We have implemented policies that promote gender equality, support for individuals with disabilities, and opportunities for underrepresented groups. Additionally, we provide training and development programs to enhance cultural competence and awareness among our team members. 

Establishing a culture through inclusive leadership practices where we lead by example and each team member is valued with respect, treated fairly, and given the latitude to express their true selves.

We do this in many ways:

• Celebrate and recognize that our differences extend beyond age, gender, ethnicity, ability, and race to include our perspectives, personalities, beliefs, and other unique characteristics. We recognize our shared humanity, as we all have dreams, goals, and a desire to contribute and make a positive impact.
•  We ensure all team members are treated fairly and given opportunities, accessibility, and advancement. We identify and remove behavioral and structural barriers that have hindered the full participation of certain groups.
•  All team members are included, fostering a sense of value and providing the opportunity to contribute. TDK aims to create a work environment where team members feel safe to be authentic, and comfortable expressing their ideas, and where differences are respected in all situations.

By championing these values, we mirror global standards and are creating a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute to our sustainability goals.

Highlighting TDK’s Sustainability Initiatives

TDK is at the forefront of sustainability, undertaking key initiatives that align with global sustainability goals. Our efforts span various areas, including clean energy, responsible production, and climate action. For instance, we have invested in renewable energy projects to reduce our carbon footprint and promote affordable and clean energy solutions. 

Our production processes are designed to minimize waste and enhance resource efficiency, contributing to responsible consumption and production. Moreover, we actively participate in community programs that promote good health and well-being. These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and our determination to create a positive impact on society. By integrating sustainability into our core business operations, we pave the way for a sustainable future.

Creating a Continuous Learning Culture

Fostering a continuous learning culture is the future of HR and sustainability. At TDK, continuous improvement and helping team members reach higher and more complex qualifications are vital to enhancing individual and team capability, communication, and productivity. 

Our operating model integrates and digitalizes organizational processes, providing employees with the tools and resources to thrive in our dynamic environment. We offer various learning and development programs, from technical training to career development to advanced leadership training, ensuring our team members have the skills and knowledge to drive sustainability initiatives. 

For example, at the executive leadership program level, our goal is to grow, nurture, and incubate business entrepreneurs who are well-positioned to develop and launch new companies, such as TDK SensEI, an advanced machine health platform developed through edge AI and sensor fusion. TDK SensEl got its start as a project within the leadership program. Then it was strengthened by the inclusion of a high-profile knowledge expert to bring out the best of both internal and external collaboration.

Taking health further in the name of sustainability, management training participants initiated the TDKfit challenge, a pilot program for our team members in  Europe to make a direct impact on coworkers’ health. As a result, 900 participants achieved more than 130 million steps during the 2-week pilot phase. Due to unprecedented interest throughout the organization, the program is scaling globally. By promoting a culture of continuous learning, we empower our workforce to adapt to changing circumstances and contribute effectively to our sustainability goals.

Conclusion

The interconnectedness of HR and sustainability is undeniable. 

At TDK, we are committed to leveraging global HR talent to create a sustainable future. By implementing innovative strategies to attract top talent, fostering a "TDK United" mindset, promoting inclusive practices, and undertaking key sustainability initiatives, we are well-positioned to make a significant impact. 

As we move into the future, our focus on continuous learning ensures that our team members are equipped to drive sustainability efforts. We will continue to align our HR strategies with our sustainability objectives, ensuring that we contribute to a better future society for everyone. 

Learn more about TDK’s Sustainability Initiatives and how we attract the global talent of the future.