Persol Innovation Establishes 'HR Science Laboratory' to Shape the Future of Frontline Workers

## Persol Innovation Establishes R&D Organization to Shape the Future of Frontline Workers

Persol Innovation Co., Ltd. (Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Seiya Oura), a part of the Persol Group, which upholds the vision of 'Working and Laughing,' has opened its first in-house research laboratory, the 'HR Science Laboratory®.' As a research and development organization that leverages frontline worker behavioral data to conduct scientific analysis of working styles and execute technical development and implementation, the laboratory aims to accelerate the resolution of field-level issues and the creation of new businesses by transcending traditional research frameworks and integrating behavioral science, data science, and product development.

By fusing data science with human resource science, the HR Science Laboratory® aims to scientifically unravel the relationships between working individuals—including frontline workers—and their behaviors, decision-making, and workplace environments, contributing to the creation of better choices and opportunities for individuals and organizations. As a research arm of Persol Innovation, it aims to explore the potential for further utilizing accumulated internal knowledge and researching the trends of frontline workers.

Furthermore, the laboratory plans to set collaborative research themes in partnership with external companies, organizations, and individuals.

(*) 'Frontline workers' is a global term referring to those who 'work on the front lines.' It includes those engaged in healthcare, nursing, welfare, manufacturing, logistics, construction, transportation, and service/retail industries.

## Background and Future Outlook of the Laboratory

The HR Science Laboratory® was established as an internal organization to advance empirical research in areas that have not been sufficiently systematized while the social structure and environment surrounding 'working people' are undergoing significant change.

Frontline workers in fields such as healthcare, nursing, manufacturing, logistics, retail, and service industries are essential for supporting the foundation of society and the economy. However, research regarding their working styles, psychological burden, skill formation, and career choices remains limited, with scientific knowledge still in the early stages of accumulation.

Discussions in HR research and fields thus far have focused primarily on office workers and management. As a result, many aspects of decision-making, behavioral characteristics, and the relationship between workplace environments and frontline workers have yet to be captured quantitatively and empirically.

Therefore, the initial structure of the HR Science Laboratory® includes not only members specializing in psychology but also researchers in informatics and machine learning engineers. It aims to elevate the level of research by assembling a team of senior researchers with teaching experience at institutions such as Kyoto University, as well as researchers with doctoral degrees.

Furthermore, to realize rapid business support based on research outcomes, a 'Research Administration Group' consisting of a three-person promotion team will also be formed. They will support mid-to-long-term research by simultaneously addressing data analysis, AI development, and strategy formulation from the initial stages.

Specifically, the laboratory will commence with the following two research and investigative activities:

- Research and Development: Exploring the potential for utilizing analysis and knowledge accumulated within the company.
- Joint Research: Promoting investigations and research in cooperation with external companies, organizations, and individuals across various industries interested in content and big data analysis.

Focusing on a broad range of 'working people,' including frontline workers, the laboratory will advance research and investigations. Within this fiscal year, it plans to disseminate research results through published reports and seminars to deepen dialogue with society. Beyond merely introducing use cases for the data the company possesses, the laboratory aims to create new value through co-creation with external entities interested in this data.

## Comment from Shigeyuki Oba, Director of the HR Science Laboratory®

By establishing this laboratory at Persol Innovation, we will leverage our accumulated research results and体制 to expand our research focus beyond specific products or businesses toward broader social issues. Moving forward, we will pay close attention to frontline workers and others in the field, carefully capturing their working styles, psychological burdens, skill formation, and relationships with workplace environments. Through scientific insights, we hope to support 'work choices' that provide a sense of conviction.