#Japan #Health Management #Tokyo #Earth Pharmaceutical #White 500

Earth Pharmaceutical’s Commitment to Employee Health

Earth Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has been recognized as a 'White 500' organization for the sixth consecutive year. This distinguished recognition comes from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Japan Health Conference, honoring companies that excel in health management practices.

At Earth Pharmaceutical, there is a firm belief that the future of any organization hinges on the health of its employees. This conviction led the company to establish the 'Earth Health Declaration' in 2019. The declaration outlines the company’s commitment to prioritizing employee health management as a vital part of its management strategy.

To further promote health management effectively, Earth Pharmaceutical has set up a cross-departmental team named the 'Committee for Promoting Health of Employees and Families,' led by a senior executive officer. This committee oversees ongoing monitoring in accordance with an annual health management plan, ensuring regular communication both internally and externally. It also collaborates with key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate their health strategies.

Key Initiatives and Achievements

Earth Pharmaceutical aims for significant achievements in health management by 2030, focusing on improving work engagement and reducing the rate of absence due to mental health issues. The company employs a PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle to continuously evaluate and refine their health initiatives.

Identifying Health Challenges and Strategies

To address health challenges comprehensively, the company conducts annual health surveys across all employees. The latest survey achieved a remarkable response rate of 91.8% in 2025, allowing the company to visualize issues related to presenteeism (decreased productivity due to health challenges) and health literacy. Based on survey results, Earth Pharmaceutical has organized various initiatives such as stretching seminars to alleviate shoulder and lower back pain, as well as seminars addressing health concerns unique to women, including menstrual and menopausal issues. Additionally, the company promotes walking and dietary improvement events as part of its health management efforts.

Smoking Cessation and Preventing Lifestyle Diseases

Earth Pharmaceutical also emphasizes the importance of smoking cessation. It has implemented strict no-smoking policies on company premises and during working hours. The company continues to provide support for cessation seminars and programs. Recent surveys indicate a downward trend in the average number of cigarettes smoked per day among employees and an increase in those who express a desire to quit smoking.

Strengthening Work-life Balance and Support

Recognizing the diverse life stages of its employees, the company has introduced 'Family Life Support Leave,' which accommodates those undergoing infertility treatments, caring for family members, or experiencing menopausal complications. Moreover, Earth Pharmaceutical has set up consultation channels for health and caregiving, creating a flexible work environment that allows employees to balance their work and personal lives effectively.

Overall Framework of Health Management Program

The 'Health Management Excellent Corporation Certification System' acknowledges corporations that excel in health management practices tailored to local health challenges. Among these, the top 500 companies in the large corporation category receive the prestigious 'White 500' recognition. This system signifies Earth Pharmaceutical's commitment to enhancing health and well-being, not just within the organization but also in the community at large.

For more about Earth Pharmaceutical's health management practices, visit: Health Management Initiatives and see their Strategic Health Management Map.