Arab News Japan

DUBAI: Japan’s popular convenience store Lawson changed its rules recently to allow employees to wear headscarves, such as hijabs, for religious reasons as well as use initials rather than their full name on their name tags.

The decision was announced on June 4 and was made with human rights in mind, according to Lawson’s official website.

The statement said: “In recent years, there has been a demand to create an environment in which store employees can work with peace of mind by protecting them from customer harassment. Until now, Lawson has required employees to wear their real names (surnames) on their nametags, but in light of the current situation and considerations of privacy protection, we have made it possible for stores to use ‘job title + any alphabet or initials’ at their discretion.”

The change in the grooming manual was amended in response to diversification and tolerance of the store’s staff.

Lawson’s official statement added that the organization will continue to “promote the creation of an environment in which everyone can work comfortably.”