Are Japanese companies doing enough for women’s health?

Navigating a career can be particularly challenging for women due to various health concerns.

A primary concern is the prevalence of cancer among women, especially in those aged between their 20s and 50s. The number of female cancer patients in this age group exceeds that of men, and the number in their 30s to 40s is about three times that of men. Breast cancer tends to peak in the late 40s, while cervical cancer is most common in the 30s and 40s. This poses a significant risk for women who are in the midst of career development.

However, early detection can facilitate a balance between work and treatment. Acknowledging this, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare advises women to undergo cervical cancer screenings every two years starting at 20, and breast cancer screenings every two years from the age of 40.

Menstrual health is another crucial aspect. A survey conducted by Meiji revealed that 85% of women in their 20s to 40s experience menstrual symptoms, with 80% reporting these symptoms impact their work. As these symptoms can hamper productivity, it’s vital for workplaces to be accommodating and allow for necessary time off.

Japan introduced menstrual leave in 1947. However, companies have the discretion to offer this leave as paid or unpaid, with about 70% opting for the latter. Moreover, there’s a general reluctance to utilize “menstrual leave” due to societal stigmas and workplace misunderstandings, reflected in its low uptake rate of only 0.9%.

To combat these issues, several Japanese companies are stepping up with innovative approaches.

Supporting gynecological examinations

Although annual health check-ups are mandatory in Japan, they don’t include screenings for breast or uterine cancer. To bridge this gap, some progressive companies are offering subsidies for gynecological exams as part of their health benefits, highlighting the importance of women’s health.

Seminars for all employees

ANGFA Co. Ltd., a manufacture and sales company of aging care cosmetics and health foods, conducted a comprehensive seminar on women’s health and physiology for all its employees. This initiative aimed to raise awareness among both male and female employees about the unique health challenges women face, thus fostering a more empathetic and informed workplace.

Redefining menstrual leave

Realizing the underutilization of menstrual leave, companies like PHONE APPLI, a cloud service company, are transforming it into a more positive and supportive feature. They have introduced paid leave, aptly named “You-Kyuu” (Leave for You), to alleviate stigma and provide flexibility. This leave also extends to cover infertility treatments and menopause.

Additionally, MOMOTANI JUNTENKAN, a cosmetic company, has broadened the scope of menstrual leave to include premenstrual symptoms, along with introducing specialized leaves for various women’s health needs, for instance, “lifestyle holidays” for infertility treatments.

Working women can sometimes face health challenges unique to women. However, there is a growing trend among companies to acknowledge and actively support women’s health. This shift signals a promising move towards more inclusive and empathetic work environments in the future.