The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare designates every November as the “Karoshi (Death from Overwork) Prevention Awareness Month” and conducts symposiums and nationwide campaigns during this period.
The purpose is to prevent health disorders and suicides caused by long working hours or excessive workloads and to aim for a “zero-karoshi society.”
Despite progress, a certain number of cases are still recognized as work-related accidents, and reducing long working hours and psychological stress in workplaces remains crucial.
For companies, this month serves as an excellent opportunity to review their labor time management and mental health measures.
Three Key Points to Review
1. Understanding Actual Working Hours
Regularly check overtime and holiday work hours, and follow up on the health conditions of employees working long hours.
2. Ensuring Sufficient Rest and Leave
Establish systems that allow employees to take proper rest, such as introducing work-interval systems and encouraging planned use of paid leave.
3. Strengthening Mental Health Measures
Implement stress checks, clearly indicate consultation channels, and provide training for managers to enable early detection and response.
Related Initiatives by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
- Karoshi Prevention Symposiums (held nationwide)11月は「過労死等防止啓発月間」です｜厚生労働省
- Overwork Elimination Campaign過重労働解消キャンペーン｜厚生労働省
- Educational Materials and Posters for Karoshi Prevention過労死等防止啓発月間ポスター｜厚生労働省
November is an ideal time to reassess workplace practices and health management systems.
In particular, departments showing signs of long working hours or an increase in mental health consultations should take this opportunity to review the following three aspects: workload, working hours, and rest.
