It is vital for employers to reduce workers’ stress and ensure that they will not suffer from mental disorders. It is also important for workers to become aware of their stress so they can address the situation. As part of a government effort, stress check will become mandatory for all companies from April 2028. This article explains about the stress check system and its procedure.
[1] What is the stress check system?
The stress check system is aimed to have workers receive tests to recognize their stress and take self-care measures. Analyzing the results of workplaces, the stress check system helps companies remove stress factors and prevent workers’ mental health problems.
Since December 2015, companies (workplaces) with 50 or more employees have become required to conduct stress check. To enhance the effort further, the system will be made mandatory for all companies from April 2028.
[2] Flow of stress check
Following are the actual steps of stress check.
- Determine the method and set necessary rules for stress check.
- Deliver a survey sheet to workers and have them completed.
- Evaluate the results and determine the need for a physician’s consultation according to the status of workers’ stress.
- Notify workers of the result.
- Receive requests for a physician’s consultation from workers.
- Conduct a physician’s consultation according to requests.
- Hear physician’s opinion about the need for a change in work conditions.
- Make changes based on the physician’s advice
- Make improvements in the work environment.
As shown above, the stress check includes many steps. In step 2, companies deliver survey sheets in paper or arrange an online survey using computers or smartphones. Steps 5 and 6 are needed if any employee has been found to be under high stress in step 3. If requested by an employee in step 5, companies make necessary arrangements for step 6, such as scheduling physician’s consultation. While the stress check is meant for regular employees and certain part-timers and contract workers, it is left up to employees whether to receive the check or not. Companies may encourage them to take the test, but cannot force them to do so.
The stress check must be carried out at least once a year. Companies that will become applicable from April 2028 will need to complete it by the end of March 2029. However, the system will require considerable preparation. To satisfy the original purpose of helping workers recognize their stress, please start preparation as early as possible.
*This information is based on laws and regulations as of the date of the original article.
