Japanese firms to launch workers' stress checks

Japanese companies will check their employees' stress levels, starting from Tuesday, as part of efforts to prevent work-related mental disorders, the media reported.

The government has urged firms to make the checks because of the increasing number of workers who fall ill due to stress in their workplace. Firms with 50 or more employees will have to conduct the checks once a year, public broadcaster NHK reported on Monday.

Companies will ask their employees to fill out a questionnaire about their work environment, relationships among workers, and any changes in their mental and physical conditions.

Those employees considered to be under too much stress will be eligible for personal guidance from doctors.

Companies will need to reassign workers or reduce their work hours if the doctors deem it necessary.

During the year through March, about 500 people were granted workers' compensation benefits because of depression and other mental disorders.