A dire mental health crisis in Japan’s workforce has reached a historic peak, with official data showing more recognized cases of overwork-related death and disorders than ever before. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare confirmed 1,304 karoshi cases in fiscal year 2024, a rise of 196 from the previous year. This is not merely a statistic; it signals a fundamental strain in workplace safety and a culture that has, at times, valued productivity over personal wellbeing.
The Japan experience serves as a warning for Thailand’s evolving work culture, where longer hours and intense productivity pressures are increasingly common. In Thailand, traditional respect for authority and a strong sense of collective responsibility can resemble patterns seen in Japan, raising concerns about mental health and the need for proactive policy, responsible management, and worker support.
In Japan, the burden falls most heavily on mental health and stress-related disorders. While cardiovascular events account for some deaths, the vast majority of karoshi cases stem from depression and related conditions, with a portion resulting in suicide or attempted suicide. A major contributor is power harassment by supervisors and peers, underscoring the damaging impact of hostile workplace dynamics.
Beyond harassment, factors such as sudden increases in workload, customer service pressures, sexual harassment, and traumatic incidents at work contribute to a broader mental health crisis. The demographics show that men and women are affected in nearly equal measure, with most cases occurring in the 20–59 age group, highlighting that the mental health toll touches the workforce’s most economically productive segments.
The sectoral impact in Japan highlights healthcare and welfare as the hardest hit, followed by manufacturing, retail, service industries, transportation, and construction. The stress, long hours, and high-stakes responsibilities in these sectors illustrate how systemic workplace pressures can erode psychological resilience.
Thai observers and researchers note similar risk patterns within Thailand’s own workforce. Studies from leading universities show substantial levels of work-related stress among healthcare workers and other professionals, driven by heavy workloads, inadequate resources, and the challenge of balancing work with family responsibilities. Public health data indicate significant segments of workers experience meaningful stress during peak periods, suggesting the need for strong preventive measures and accessible mental health support.
Thai policymakers acknowledge that regulatory gaps, uneven enforcement, and cultural barriers to reporting harassment or distress complicate efforts to protect workers. While existing laws address some aspects of working hours and workplace behavior, comprehensive protections and robust monitoring remain essential. Cultural values around endurance and harmony can hinder open discussions about mental health, making systemic reforms more urgent.
Global health organizations recognize workplace burnout as a legitimate occupational issue requiring government action, employer accountability, and prevention strategies. The World Health Organization and the International Labour Organization emphasize recognizing psychosocial risks, improving workplace safety culture, and ensuring access to support and fair compensation. Japan’s experience offers both a cautionary tale and a blueprint for stronger protections that Thai workplaces can adapt.
Thailand has a timely opportunity to act: implement overtime controls, strengthen anti-harassment campaigns, promote psychological safety, and expand mental health services for workers. Building transparent reporting mechanisms and ensuring protection for those who raise concerns will support a healthier, more productive economy.
Practical steps for individuals include monitoring stress signals, advocating for humane working hours, and seeking help early when harassment or excessive demands arise. Employers should invest in mental health resources, implement responsible scheduling, and foster open dialogue about work-life balance. At the policy level, Thailand can pursue standardized worker protections, formal recognition of occupational mental health risks, and funding for preventive programs.
Healthcare leaders and other industry executives have a responsibility to model safe scheduling, provide wellness assessments, and protect frontline workers from burnout. Protecting the mental health of professionals is essential for patient safety and for sustaining the country’s health system in future challenges.
As Japan continues to address karoshi through legal measures and cultural change, Thailand can learn from these experiences by elevating workplace wellbeing to a national priority. Early action, clear protections, and a cultural shift toward psychological safety will help safeguard Thailand’s most valuable resource: its workers.