Cases of workers missing work or taking a leave of absence are on the rise. Among them are cases attributable to high work-related stress. The Labor Ministry’s report released in June 2025 shows workers’ compensation claims and cases where payment was approved have been surging in recent years. This article looks at the report and considers measures companies should take.
[1] Workers’ compensation claims relating to mental disorders
The chart below shows the trend of workers’ compensation claims involving mental disorders. The number of claims increased in fiscal 2024 by 205 to 3,780 from 3,575 in the previous year. The number of cases where compensation was approved also jumped by 172 to 1,055 from 883 in the year earlier. Both exceeded 1,000 for the first time and marked the highest on record.
Chart: Trend in workers' compensation claims relating to mental disorders
By business categories, the social insurance / social welfare / nursing care businesses saw the largest 152 cases, followed by medical services with 118 cases. Road transportation industry had 69 cases, while 46 cases occurred in general construction businesses. The data indicate that many cases have occurred in medical and welfare services. The approval rate (the percentage of cases where compensation was approved among the cases approved as work-related mental disorders) was 30.2%. Three out of ten claims have been approved as industrial accidents.
[2] Specific cases
Compensation is determined by considering actual situations that led to disorders. The following are the most common incidents.
1. Power harassment from superiors, such as physical or psychological abuse (224 cases)
2. Major changes in the assignment or work volumes (119 cases)
3. Significant harassment from customers, clients, facility users, etc. (108 cases)
4. Sexual harassment (105 cases)
5. Experiencing of sighting of tragic accidents or disasters at work (87 cases)
Among the 1,055 cases where compensation was approved, one in four involved power harassment from managers or supervisors. As for 3, the government will require companies to implement measures against customer harassment in the coming months. Harassment is a grave issue that often leads to workers’ mental health disorders. Please take continuous action to prevent harassment.
[Reference]
The Labor Ministry, “Status of workers’ accident compensation for death from overwork and other problems”
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/newpage_59039.html
