Development and Evaluation of a Women’s Health Support System at a Japanese Company

Abstract

This research was designed to evaluate a work environment in which all female employees can work safely and comfortably by developing a health support system for women in the workplace. With consent from management, the occupational health nurse invited an OB/GYN physician, contracted from outside the company, to act as a specialist adviser. Because health-related concerns unique to women are sometimes difficult to differentiate from mental health issues, a health management system was developed to ensure that the psychological health of workers is promoted and maintained. After development of this system, case studies were reviewed and evaluated for menstrual disorders, perinatal health management, and menopausal disorders. Intraoffice cooperation and support were garnered from the Personnel Department, the Sexual Harassment Measures Committee, the industrial physician, and the Health and Safety Committee. In addition, through the review of the case studies, the roles for care on every level were clarified. The number of female employees who opted for early retirement due to menstrual disorders, miscarriage, or menopausal disorders was also reduced. It is believed that as a result of this study, a health management system for health-related concerns unique to women and based on mental health care measures in the workplace was developed and supportive measures were practiced. In the future, it will be important to continue to comprehensively view and create a work environment in which all female staff members can work safely and comfortably.