The article discusses the effects and challenges of workplace harassment (power harassment) in Japan three years after the full enactment of anti-harassment laws. Although these laws were implemented to protect workers, cases of workplace harassment continue to rise, causing many to suffer from mental health issues like depression.
Rumi, a woman in her 30s, experienced harassment from her boss, leading her to develop a stress disorder. After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, her workload increased significantly, and her boss’s harsh behavior worsened, resulting in her health deteriorating. She eventually took a leave of absence and reported her case, which led to her boss being moved to another department.
Shingo, a young male employee, faced similar issues when a senior member of his team began to harass him over work disagreements. The continued stress led him to a breaking point, ending up in the hospital after a self-harm incident. His family’s intervention helped address the issue, emphasizing the importance of discussing such problems with supportive individuals.
Despite the enactment of the anti-harassment law in June 2020, harassment cases are increasing, with reports quadrupling by 2023. Legal experts note that the criteria for power harassment are often hard to meet, making it difficult for some cases to be recognized officially as harassment. They suggest recording evidence and seeking help from external bodies as effective measures.
Experts argue that Japan’s laws need to define power harassment as illegal following standards like the ILO’s convention on workplace violence and harassment. Although progress has been made, the article suggests that more needs to be done to address workplace harassment effectively in Japan.
by MagazineKey4532