Before 'Overachievers' Break Down—Thoughts on the News of Mandatory Stress Checks

I am Kumataro Yokoyama, a training instructor and sign language interpreter.

While utilizing AI, I provide information for seniors and introduce books and gadgets.

A policy has been announced to make 'stress checks' mandatory for all workplaces starting in April 2028.

Until now, stress checks were mandatory for workplaces with 50 or more employees, but this will now expand to small businesses with fewer than 50 employees.

The background to this is the increase in the number of workers' compensation claims due to mental disorders.

Seeing this news, I felt, 'It has finally come to this.'

I think that just goes to show how difficult it has become to see the 'limits of the heart' in today's society.

For Japanese people, 'working until the limit' easily becomes a virtue

In Japan, there has long been an atmosphere where

'enduring,'
'not causing trouble for others,'
and 'not complaining'

are often spoken of as virtues.

Of course, that in itself is not a bad thing.

However, the problem is that

there are so many people who

'work until they break.'

The individuals themselves do not realize they are in a dangerous state.

Or rather, even if they do realize it,

'I'm still okay,'
'everyone else is working hard,'
and 'it would be a nuisance if I rested now'

is what they end up thinking.

This is something that happens more easily to serious, diligent people.

Stress is not a sign of 'weakness'

I believe the important thing about this topic is

'Having stress equals being weak'

is not the case.

Everyone is affected by their environment.

・Long working hours
・Interpersonal relationships
・Customer harassment
・Balancing work with caregiving
・Financial anxiety
・Loneliness

When these things pile up, anyone's mind will become exhausted.

Moreover, I feel that 'quiet fatigue' is on the rise lately.

It is not just the 'obvious overwork' of the past.

Smartphones.
Social media.
Endless notifications.
The constant feeling of being chased by something.

I think there are truly many people whose brains are not resting without them even realizing it.

In reality, smaller workplaces have fewer places to escape to

What I want to focus on regarding this news is

'Mandatory for workplaces with fewer than 50 employees'

as a point of interest.

While small-scale workplaces have the benefit of a homey atmosphere, they also face issues like:

・Few people to consult with
・Relationships tend to become too close
・No one to cover for you
・Difficulty taking time off

these are also problems.

In other words, things 'keep running on endurance'.

However, that cannot last for long.

Especially now, the labor shortage is severe.

When one person breaks down, a heavy burden spreads to those around them.

That is precisely why the concept of 'detecting mental distress early' will become increasingly important in the future.

The goal is not just 'to conduct tests'

However, I also think the following.

What is truly important is,

'conducting stress checks'

is not the end in itself.

What is more important is

having an atmosphere where

'it is okay to seek help'.

No matter how well-established the system is,

'it is hard to show weakness', 'it might lower my evaluation', 'I will be seen as a troublesome person'

if such an atmosphere is strong, people will hide their true feelings.

I sometimes feel this in the field of sign language interpreting as well.

The more responsible a person is,

'I cannot rest', 'I cannot cause trouble for others'

the more they tend to think this way.

But what is truly dangerous is 'suddenly becoming unable to move'.

It is not irrelevant to the senior generation either

It seems that this legal amendment also includes the prevention of industrial accidents among the elderly.

I believe this is extremely important.

Japan has now entered an era of 'working for a long time'.

In your 60s.
In your 70s.

The number of people continuing to work is increasing.

However, as you age,

• Changes in physical strength
• Changes in concentration
• Decreased recovery ability

also occur.

Despite this, there are not a few people who push themselves too hard with the same mindset as in the past.

Moreover, the senior generation is also

a 'generation that does not complain'

also.

That is why I believe that a 'way of working that does not assume overexertion' will be necessary from now on.

Toward a society where 'resting before breaking down' becomes the norm

I hope this news does not end as a mere institutional change.

What is truly needed is,

a 'society that supports you after you collapse'

not,

a 'society where you can stop before you collapse'

.

Being able to say you're tired.
Being able to consult someone.
Being able to rest.
Being able to ask for help.

Spreading that kind of atmosphere.

And,

'Continuing to work hard is not the only virtue'

and for many people to be able to think that way.

That may be what is needed in the coming era.

Finally

The news about mandatory stress checks may seem like a story about 'systems' at first glance.

But behind that,

'a society where people are becoming more prone to breaking down'

is the reality.

That is why what is needed now is

'Work even harder'

but rather,

'Are you getting enough rest?'

I believe that is the perspective we need.

The more serious a person is, the more they put themselves last.

But once your heart is broken, it can take a long time to recover.

That is why,

'Take care of yourself while you can still move'.

I want to see a society where that can be done more naturally.

That is what I felt after reading the news.

Original article here

#StressCheck #MentalHealth #WorkStyleReform #WorkEnvironment
#MentalWellbeing #StressfulSociety #WorkplaceEnvironment #SmallBusinesses #CustomerHarassment #SeniorWorkStyles #WorkersCompensation #InclusiveSociety #RestingIsImportant #WorkingWithoutOverexertion #TheMostConscientiousAreAtRisk #ProtectingWorkers #MinistryOfHealthLabourAndWelfare
#note #SocialIssues #ThinkingAboutWaysOfLiving