An International Comparison of Factors Related to Long Work Hours¹

Abstract

This study aimed to examine psychosocial factors related to working long hours, which causes depression, anxiety, and so forth, including karoshi [work to death]. In particular, the issue of working very long hours and its impacts on employees is seen as an urgent issue in Japan, and by clarifying the factors associated with this phenomenon, we aim to contribute to efforts to identify appropriate mitigation measures. We proposed a model of factors related to long work hours from multiple perspectives, and tested it in six countries: China,

Qualitative Investigation into the Mental Health of Healthcare Workers in Japan during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…However, participants reported difficulties implementing their self-care strategies in their workplace, often related to Japanese work culture. This accords to a recent study that identified that Japanese employees’ long working hours were associated with the organizational factors such as team norms and leadership [ 51 ], indicating that an organization’s or manager’s understanding of self-care needs to be established for each healthcare worker to care for themselves. While the national policies to stop long working hours have been implemented (e.g., Karoushi Prevention in 2014, Work Style Reform in 2020), traditional cultural value still favors long working: long overtime hours were positively associated with work vigor among Japanese male workers [ 52 ].…”

Why do Japanese Employees Work Themselves to the Bone? Collectivism, Exploitation and Turnover in Japan

“…In fact, Japanese employees consider work as a duty rather than a personal choice and are often confronted with the social expectation to adapt to one's work environment (Sekiguchi, 2006). Furthermore, collectivism encourages practices such as staying at work to help colleagues, even if one has completed their own tasks (Kanai et al, 2022).…”

The moderating role of time perspective profiles in the association of workaholism, work engagement and perfectionism among Japanese employees

“…Japan has one of the highest number of working hours among developed countries (Yamauchi et al, 2017), which is associated with unfavorable outcomes, such as subjective unhealthiness (Akutsu et al, 2022) and job burnout (Cheung et al, 2018). Extreme examples include Karoshi (death due to overwork) and Karo-Jisatsu, or suicide due to overwork (Kanai et al, 2021); other examples include work-life balance distortion and workaholism (Kanai, 2009). Workaholic, this controversial term, first came into existence by Oates (1968).…”

“…, 2018). Extreme examples include Karoshi (death due to overwork) and Karo-Jisatsu, or suicide due to overwork (Kanai et al. , 2021); other examples include work-life balance distortion and workaholism (Kanai, 2009).…”