In line with the Act on Comprehensively Advancing Labor Measures, and Stabilizing the Employment of Workers, and Enriching Workers’ Vocational Lives, companies have become required from April 2026 to make efforts to support workers receiving medical treatment. This article reviews specific measures.
[1] Background of the increasing need for support
As the employment of elderly people increase, the ratio of workers receiving some kind of medical treatment has also been rising year by year. To support such workers to stay in their jobs, employers have been obliged to establish a structure or environment to deal with problems they may face and increase effort to adjust their working arrangements flexibly by considering their situations.
[2] Environment to support workers in treatment
Companies should implement measures proactively, instead of waiting until an actual need to support a worker who requires medical treatment occurs. Among specific measures are to appoint a department to provide consultation, set up an internal structure to provide support and review internal rules accordingly.
Once a consultation department is appointed and a support structure is set, companies should also notify employees to ensure they can seek support easily. It is also important to clarify rules regarding the handling information of workers who use the support system.
Workers may need to receive short-term treatment regularly or their working hours may be restricted due to the treatment. To deal with such cases, companies may also need to implement measures described below.
Examples of leave system
- Hourly annual paid leave system
- Medical leave system
- Sick leave system
- Staggered working hours
- Short-time working system
- Remote work system
- Work rehabilitation system
The Health and Labor Ministry’s website provide a leaflet explaining about support for workers in medical treatment and a manual for companies and hospitals to exchange necessary information. Please make use of these materials as needed.
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, “Support for workers receiving medical treatment”
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/0000115267.html
*The information is based on laws and regulations as of the date of the original article.
