Just over 10 percent of companies in Japan have policies aimed at protecting the rights of sexual minorities, a recent government survey revealed, reflecting the nation's lack of progress in addressing workplace inequality.

The first survey of its kind conducted by the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry also showed more than 30 percent of respondent companies have no plans to rectify the situation that leaves lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people marginalized.

The survey was conducted late last year, covering 10,000 firms with 50 or more employees, of which 2,388 responded.