The impact of productivity loss from presenteeism and absenteeism on mental health in Japan (September 2025)-The impact of productivity loss from presenteeism and absenteeism on mental health in Japan

The impact of productivity loss from presenteeism and absenteeism on mental health in Japan

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This study quantifies the substantial productivity losses due to mental health-related presenteeism (working while unwell) and absenteeism among Japanese workers. Using a large-scale Internet survey of 27,507 employed individuals representative by gender, age, and region, the authors assessed mental health status and associated productivity loss through validated self-reported measures. Participants identifying mental health and sleep-related issues as impacting their work were analyzed. Presenteeism loss was calculated from reductions in work quantity and quality during symptomatic days, while absenteeism was measured by reported days absent.<br /><br />The results estimated that annual productivity loss due to mental health-related presenteeism in Japan amounts to approximately USD 46.73 billion, and absenteeism contributes USD 1.85 billion, combined representing about 1.11% of Japan’s GDP. Productivity loss from presenteeism was nearly 25 times greater than absenteeism and about seven times higher than medical costs for mental disorders. Women in their 20s reported higher prevalence of mental health symptoms than men, though overall productivity loss was greater among men, reflecting differences in labor force participation and wages. Age groups with highest losses varied by gender, with men aged 45–49 years and women aged 30–34 years experiencing the greatest presenteeism losses.<br /><br />The study underscores challenges in addressing mental health in Japanese workplaces, where cultural factors deter taking leave, leading to high presenteeism. Despite existing stress-check programs and some employer initiatives, implementation of comprehensive mental health measures remains insufficient, especially in smaller enterprises. The authors emphasize integrated strategies focusing on prevention, promotion of well-being, and response to mental health issues within workplaces to reduce hidden costs and improve employee health and productivity.<br /><br />Limitations include reliance on self-reported data and potential over- or under-estimation of absenteeism attributable specifically to mental health. Still, given its large representative sample and inclusion of both diagnosed and undiagnosed individuals with symptoms, the study provides a robust and updated estimate of the economic burden of mental health-related productivity losses in Japan. The findings highlight an urgent need for intensified corporate and governmental mental health interventions to mitigate economic and societal impacts.

Keywords

mental health

presenteeism

absenteeism

productivity loss

Japanese workers

economic burden

workplace mental health

gender differences

age groups

mental health interventions