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. 2021 Jan 1;63(1):18-26.
doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002002.

Development, Success Factors, and Challenges of Government-Led Health and Productivity Management Initiatives in Japan

Koji Mori  1 , Tomohisa Nagata, Masako Nagata, Shintaro Okahara, Kiminori Odagami, Hirosuke Takahashi, Takahiro Mori
Affiliations

Development, Success Factors, and Challenges of Government-Led Health and Productivity Management Initiatives in Japan

Koji Mori et al. J Occup Environ Med. .

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to describe the Japanese government-led health and productivity management (HPM) strategy, specific initiatives, and success factors.

Methods: Self-described corporation data obtained from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry for 2014 to 2019 were analyzed descriptively.

Results: Nationally, more than 8000 corporations participated in the HPM initiative, and performance improved each year. The range of public and private sector incentives supporting the government initiatives also increased.

Conclusions: Success factors include matching the approach to the company's business environment, reinforcing government-led initiatives and programs, and partnering with the healthcare sector. Despite many challenges, early experience with the countrywide HPM strategy and initiatives may lead to better business outcomes and support the sustainability of Japanese society.

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Conflict of interest statement

KM has chaired the Health Investment Working Group since 2014. The other authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Japanese government organizational structure to promote health and productivity management and related fields.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Corporations applying for the HPM recognition program by industry sector and year (2014–2019). ∗Secondary industry sector includes the mining, manufacturing, and construction industries. ∗∗Tertiary industry sector includes industries such as the finance, insurance, wholesale, retail, service, and information and communication industries.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Corporations applying for the HPM recognition program by number of employees and year (2014–2019).
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Percentage of corporations reporting using HPM evaluation items by item and year (2014–2019). Note: No related items were included in the 2016 version. ∗The choice was not included in the 2014 or 2015 versions.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Statistics Bureau of Japan. Statistical Handbook of Japan 2019; 2020. Available at: https://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/handbook/c0117.html. Accessed August 1, 2020.
    1. The Japan Times News. Japan to amend laws to help elderly work until 70; 2020. Available at: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/02/04/national/japan-amend-laws-e.... Accessed August 1, 2020.
    1. Prime Minister's Office of Japan. Health care policy; 2017; 3. Available at: https://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/singi/kenkouiryou/en/pdf/2017_policy.pdf. Accessed August 1, 2020.
    1. Healthcare Industries Division, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Enhancing health and productivity management; 2020. Available at: https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/mono_info_service/healthcare/downloadfiles.... Accessed August 1, 2020.
    1. Healthcare Industries Division, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. About promotion of health and productivity management initiatives; 2020. Available at: https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/mono_info_service/healthcare/downloadfiles.... In Japanese. Accessed August 1, 2020.

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