Worklear Hosts VR Training to Experience 'Invisible Disabilities' Ahead of July Statutory Employment Rate Increase to 2.7%

Worklear (https://worklear.jp/), a disability employment support service operated by Leverages Co., Ltd., will host a hands-on training titled "Simulating 'Invisible Disabilities' in VR: What is Needed is Reasonable 'Accommodation'" for corporate management and HR professionals over two days on Monday, June 22 and Tuesday, June 23, 2026, ahead of the impending statutory employment rate increase to 2.7%. Following the high satisfaction and strong response from participants in the first training held in February of this year—who reported a "fundamental change in perspective on disability employment"—the company has decided to hold the event again to support the improvement of workplace environments in preparation for the higher statutory employment rate. ■ Background In July 2026, the statutory employment rate for people with disabilities in private companies will be raised from the current 2.5% to 2.7%. Meanwhile, a gap has emerged in the field of disability employment between the demographic of job seekers dominating the market and the hiring needs of companies. According to data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, while new job applications from individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities have remained largely flat over the past few years, the number of applications from those with mental disabilities has been surging annually*1. The main volume in the recruitment market is gradually shifting toward "individuals with mental and developmental disabilities*2." On the other hand, about 50% of companies that hire people with disabilities respond that they "actively want to hire people with physical disabilities"*3, indicating that corporate awareness is currently lagging behind the realities of the market. Underlying this gap is a workplace anxiety of "not knowing how to interact" when employing individuals with mental and developmental disabilities*4. This not only causes hesitation in hiring but is also believed to be a contributing factor to early turnover even when hiring does occur. This initiative is a two-day experiential training hosted by Leverages Co., Ltd. for companies struggling with disability employment, combining a "VR experience" with "workplace know-how." Just ahead of the statutory employment rate increase, this training was planned to eliminate this "vague anxiety" and help empower the workforce on the ground. *1 Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, June 2025, "Status of Employment Referrals for Persons with Disabilities in FY2024" (https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/newpage_58653.html) *2 A survey conducted by Worklear reveals that the comorbidity rate of developmental disabilities and mental illness exceeds approximately 90%. Worklear, August 2024, "Survey on the Comorbidity of Developmental Disabilities and Mental Illness" (https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000676.000010591.html) *3 Worklear, February 2026, "Survey on Hiring Realities in Disability Employment" (https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000858.000010591.html) *4 In a survey by Worklear, the top reason cited for challenges in retaining employees with mental and developmental disabilities is "difficulty in communication (44.9%)." Worklear, June 2025, "Survey on Employment Realities of Individuals with Mental/Developmental Disabilities by Large and SME Companies" Retention Edition: (https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000765.000010591.html) ■ Event Overview (Dates for Participation and Press Coverage) This event will be held over two days. Since the content is the same on both days, please choose the date that best suits your schedule. [Day 1 & Day 2] Corporate Training: Seminar for Corporate HR and Management (Held over 2 dates) Date & Time [Day 1] Monday, June 22, 2026, starting at 17:00 *Duration: 2 hours [Day 2] Tuesday, June 23, 2026, starting at 17:00 *Duration: 2 hours Target Audience Corporate executives, HR directors, and managers in charge of disability employment. Highly recommended for companies experiencing the following challenges: ========================== - Unmet statutory employment rates or anxiety regarding future increases. - Difficulty in hiring individuals with physical disabilities and looking to expand the target demographic. - Facing challenges with the retention of employees with mental and developmental disabilities. Venue Leverages Headquarters (Shibuya Scramble Square 24F) Address: 2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Participation Fee Free Objective To eliminate the vague anxiety of "not knowing" through the VR experience and allow participants to take home concrete know-how that can be implemented in their own companies from the very next day. For those who wish to participate or cover the event, please complete the form at the following URL: ■ Corporations: https://crmleverages.typeform.com/to/sjyXBdB2