Japan ranks last in workplace health conditions report

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A new survey published by the McKinsey Health Institute (MHI) on Thursday (Nov. 2) has found Japan ranking last when it comes to employees' physical, psychological, social, and mental health conditions at the workplace, Bloomberg reported.

The survey assessed the health conditions of over 30,000 employees from 30 countries, with Japan scoring a mere 25%. Turkey topped the ranking with 78%, followed by India (76%) and China (75%). The global average was 57%.

Despite Japan's reputation of providing employees lifetime employment and job security, its flip side indicates that if an employee isn't satisfied, it's difficult for them to find a new job.

Rochelle Kopp, renowned across corporations for her cross-cultural communications and business practice consultancy, said that Japan's consistently low score on international surveys reflected the issues raised in MHI's report.

Kopp noted that Japan has severe workplace-related problems. The level of job satisfaction is poor, and the work stress level is high. 

Furthermore, as more employees in Japan are signing short-term contracts, it has led to an increased sense of uncertainty.

The authors of the MHI report emphasize the crucial role of employers, reminding them that most adults spend most of their daily lives at work. The report urged employers to make it a priority to influence their employees' physical, mental, and social well-being.