We need to talk about Mental Health at Work

Mental Health & Japan

Japan is a country of perfection – perfect to the tiniest detail. Japan is also a country that is notorious for their workaholic culture. It’s not uncommon to see the salarymen and women leaving work at midnight, dozing off on the train home.

• In 2021, the country witnessed a record number of applications for worker’s compensation related to mental health disorders.
• 54.2% of them reported being distressed by work-related stressors?that derived from a high workload (42.5%), troubles in the work relationship (35.0%) and the contents of the work (30.9%).
• Work Culture: Japanese work culture often emphasizes dedication, long hours, and loyalty to the company. This can lead to stress, burnout, and anxiety.
• Financial Insecurity: Economic pressures and job instability contribute to mental health challenges.
• Stigma: There’s still a stigma associated with mental health issues, making it difficult for employees to seek help.

While Japan has made lots of efforts and improved its mental health care system, but there are still a lot of things that need to be done.?

How to Maintain Mental Health at Work

So what needs to change?

1. Create a Positive Work Environment:

I’m lucky to work in an environment where my bosses and teammates are genuine, caring and empathetic. I can be honest about being stressed out and it doesn’t make me any less of a capable employee. But not everyone shares the same luck. That’s why it’s important to have supportive managers. Companies need to train managers to promote health and well-being among employees. Their roles play a pivotal contribution as it requires empathy, understanding, and a commitment to fostering a healthier workplace. Another key factor is flexible work options such as hybrid working style, flexible working hours. Having options regarding where, when, and how you work can alleviate stress.

2. Manage Stress:

In my team, we often talk about prioritizing task by breaking down our workload into manageable chunks and tackle them one step at a time. If you don’t know how to do it, ask for help from your managers. Not only does this make your job doable but also gives a sense of direction. When you know clearly what to do, the stress level is kept low at bay. You wake up with goals instead of anxiety and depression. I also suggest practicing mindfulness techniques to reduce stress. Deep breathing exercises or short meditation sessions can help.

3. Prioritize Self-Care:

Your body is a temple. When you take good care of it, everything will follow. That’s why it’s very important that you take the initiative to look after yourself. I know it’s very easy to be gotten away with busy schedules, but make sure that you set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Please always take your lunch break. Try to have it away from your desk, go to a park, use this time to rewind, connect with yourself, enjoy some sunshine, listen to music. You don’t know it but this 10-minute walk during your lunch break can do wonder to boost your mood for the rest of the day. And please avoid overworking or constantly checking emails after hours. Once you get out of the office, put your phone on quiet or airplane mode. It’s your time to recharge your mental batteries.

4. Connect with Others:

Like having a positive work environment, it’s crucial to have a support network, including family, friends and colleagues. These social connections can greatly enhance your overall well-being and resilience in facing difficulties. If you notice a colleague in distress, extend empathy and offer support. Sometimes a simple conversation can make a world of difference.

Remember,?you matter, and taking care of your mental health is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength. So, go forth, conquer your workday, and don’t forget to be kind to yourself!

?Sources:

Japan sees record number of work-related mental health disorder cases in 2021. nippon.com . (2023, July 1). https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h01371/

Kotera, Y., Asano, K., Kotera, H., Ohshima, R., & Rushforth, A. (2022, August 23). Mental health of Japanese workers: Amotivation mediates self-compassion on mental health problems. International journal of environmental research and public health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9517843/#:~:text=A%20recent%20national%20survey%20of,(30.9%25)%20%5B19%5D .

Pilla, D., & Kuriansky, J. (2018). Mental Health in Japan: Intersecting Risks in the Workplace.?Journal of Student Research,?7(2). https://doi.org/10.47611/jsr.v7i2.509