【Labor Expert Explains】Changing Benefits Immediately Is a Mistake! 3 Essential Steps Companies Should Take First for 'Equal Pay for Equal Work' Compliance Effective in 2026

The Claire Human Resource Development Association (Headquarters: Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Yasuhiro Sakai) has released a new video explaining the overall practical framework and shortest implementation path for corporate executives and HR professionals struggling with the upcoming revision of the 'Equal Pay for Equal Work Guidelines,' effective October 1, Reiwa 8 (2026).

The revised guidelines introduce complex and wide-ranging requirements for companies, including expanded retirement benefits, family allowances, and mandatory creation of explanatory documents. As a result, many companies are panicking, thinking they must immediately equalize part-timer wages and allowances with full-time employees, causing confusion in the workplace. However, Jun Ono, Certified Social Insurance and Labor Consultant at the association, points out: 'It's unreasonable and financially unsustainable to make all benefits identical to those of full-time employees. There's a correct first step that companies should take.'

The first action companies should take is to 'clarify the job duties and levels of responsibility between regular and non-regular employees.' Visualizing aspects such as job scope and transfer requirements establishes objective evidence to justify differences in treatment—this is the essential starting point. Following this, companies should review the purpose of each allowance and improve any unreasonable disparities. Only after completing these steps can a company confidently explain its compensation structure to employees.

Summary Video of This Seminar

A summary version of this seminar has been released in advance on YouTube for media and corporate professionals. It enables quick understanding of the system's overview and key points.

Individual Q&A Session for Media and Corporate Representatives

Our dedicated labor consultants will directly answer your questions about background information, specific case studies, and other topics not fully covered in the video.

Date: July 23, 2026 (Thursday), 12:00–18:00 (Times adjustable for individual arrangements)

Format: Phone or online (either is acceptable)

Eligibility: Media, press, and corporate representatives

Fee: Free

Registration: Please contact the secretariat at [email protected].

Questions We Answer • What is the most common 'first mistake' companies make when implementing 'Equal Pay for Equal Work'?

• How can companies prove and articulate the 'differences in job duties and responsibility levels' between full-time and non-regular employees?

• What is the correct standard for reviewing the 'purpose of payment' for various allowances?

• What is the specific step-by-step process for improving disparities in treatment?

• How can companies create 'justification documents' that can withstand employee inquiries, in the shortest time possible?

Instructor Profile Jun Ono (Ono Jun) Certified Social Insurance and Labor Consultant. Has conducted over 400 harassment and labor training sessions for corporations and educational institutions. Renowned for practical lectures focused on how to implement labor laws in real-world settings. Also serves as chief supervisor and instructor for the Employment Clean Planner certification.

About the Claire Human Resource Development Association

Established in 2023 as a group company of SA Inc. The association specializes in certification and training programs focused on employment, labor management, and harassment prevention. Over 750 individuals nationwide have obtained the 'Employment Clean Planner' certification and are active in corporations, local governments, and educational institutions.

Official Website: https://koyo-clean.com/