New Mental Health Support Initiative for IT Professionals Launched in Gunma

Expanding Mental Health Support for IT Professionals in Gunma

The Hitorijou Systems Association is set to collaborate with the counseling room Encourage in Gunma to launch a mental health service specifically designed for IT engineers in small to medium-sized enterprises. This initiative aims to support these professionals who are often working solo or in small teams, addressing the increasing mental health challenges they face in the demanding tech industry.

According to a survey conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the information and communication industry has the highest rate of work absences and resignations due to mental health issues, with 32.4% of workplaces reporting such cases. IT staff, specifically those responsible for internal information systems, play a critical role in driving companies' digital transformation, yet they often face immense stress regardless of their business size.

Many IT professionals struggle to accurately assess their mental health status, even when high-stress levels are detected in assessments. This issue is particularly pronounced in small companies, which often lack the proper follow-up mechanisms post-stress checks, making it difficult for employees to find appropriate counseling services. Consequently, there is a pressing need for early intervention and preventative measures that the Hitorijou Systems Association seeks to address.

In response, the association has developed an original mental health support program called ASAP (Assist in Self-Awareness for Promit). This program incorporates various psychological tests utilizing a collaborative assessment method to provide targeted therapy sessions aimed at helping participants understand and improve their mental wellness. By focusing on the mantra, “Know Yourself, Change Yourself,” the initiative is the first of its kind dedicated to supporting the mental health of IT professionals in Japan's small to medium-sized enterprises.

Counseling will be available both online via Zoom and in person at the NETSUGEN space located within the Gunma Prefectural office, providing flexible options for participants. Gunma Prefecture is also ranked as the top preferred destination for relocation in 2024, offering a rich natural environment and a robust healthcare system in urban areas. Alongside counseling, participants can enroll in a nature therapy program designed to refresh their mental state.

Background of the Mental Health Counseling Service

Despite the mandatory implementation of stress checks for workplaces with over 50 employees since December 1, 2015, many businesses, especially those with 50-99 employees, lag behind, with only 74.5% conducting these checks. Furthermore, a revised Occupational Safety and Health Law is expected to expand these requirements to all companies by May 2025. This evolution follows a growing recognition of mental health's impact on employee productivity and retention.

Currently, small to medium-sized businesses often face challenges in adequately responding to stress checks due to several constraints, including a lack of experienced safety officers, budget limitations, and insufficient knowledge regarding mental health interventions.

The rising incidence of mental health issues among employees in this sector poses a serious concern. While the number of absences due to mental health problems in small companies remains about half of that found in larger firms, reports indicate an 11% increase among small and medium-sized enterprises from 2021 to 2023. Conversely, larger firms have shown a decrease in related issues, further highlighting a concerning trend.

IT professionals experience unique stressors tied to evolving workplace demands, including job insecurity exacerbated by constant technological changes. Many report feeling high levels of stress following workplace transitions, as indicated by studies showing that about 87% of those who have changed jobs due to workplace stress still feel pressure post-transition.

The IT department staff often finds themselves bridging the gap between management and users, requiring exceptional communication skills along with technical acumen. Roughly 80% of these employees reportedly experience heavy workloads, raising their potential for high-stress ratings. Consequently, these stressors manifest in various ways, including prolonged task completion times, increased errors, and emotional fatigue.

The need for workload management and employee well-being initiatives is critical. Regular stress assessments and points of contact with mental health experts are paramount, yet the lack of safety officers and concerns around confidentiality often inhibit proactive measures.

Mental Health Counseling Overview

Starting June 1, 2025, for a limited period of four months, the Hitorijou Systems Association will provide mental health counseling services tailored to IT professionals in small to medium-sized companies.

Participants will engage with experienced psychologists who will offer psychological assessments and counseling aimed at determining individual mental states. Alongside this support, attendees will have opportunities to network, exchange ideas, and participate in career development workshops specifically geared toward their roles.

The program also includes therapy retreats that utilize Gunma’s natural landscape to promote recovery and rejuvenation. Activities may involve forest therapy, dietary improvements, and hot spring tours, all aimed at rejuvenating the spirit of IT workers.

This service specifically caters to IT personnel in companies with employee sizes ranging from 30 to 2000, ensuring that the program can effectively reach those most in need. The initiative aims to diminish the stigma surrounding mental health in the workplace while promoting overall well-being.