Japan's annual economic losses from workers' health issues reach 7.6 trillion yen

The losses, linked to lower labor productivity, represent about one pct of the country's nominal gross domestic product for 2024.

The World Health Organization describes "presenteeism" as a condition where work efficiency declines due to mental or physical disorders, despite employees being present at work.

It is often difficult to recognize such a condition as a loss for companies or society because the workers in question appear to be performing their jobs.

In 2022, Koji Hara, associate professor at Yokohama City University, and other researchers conducted an internet survey of about 27,000 workers in Japan to assess symptoms related to mental and other health issues.

As a result, the study estimated that annual losses from presenteeism and related factors amount to 7.6 trillion yen.

Among men, the estimated losses were the highest for those aged 45-49, an age group that has a large working population and high average income.

For women, the highest losses were estimated for those aged 25-29.

The prevalence of mental and physical disorders was highest among men aged 30-34 and women aged 25-29.

The rate for women in their 20s was 1.7 times higher than for their male counterparts.

Hara said that this may reflect differences in workplaces and living environments, among various other factors.

The 2022 Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions conducted by the health ministry identified back pain and shoulder stiffness as the most common subjective symptoms reported by both men and women suffering from health issues.

With more and more seniors working due to the elimination or extension of the retirement age, support for balancing treatment and work will continue to be important.

The government is promoting an initiative for health and productivity management, which links investment in the maintenance and promotion of employee health to improved business performance.

With an increasing number of companies and organizations working to improve workers' exercise and dietary habits, Hara said: "Protecting health not only protects the dignity of workers, but also serves as a foundation for the sustainable growth of an organization. I hope many companies will share this perspective."