Remote Work and Procedures for Temporary Leave and Return to Work of Workers with Mental Health Problems

- From the aspect of legal and medical practice -

Abstract

An increasing number of companies offer remote work to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Speakers in the session suggested that, from the physicians’ viewpoint, a hybrid work scheme combining remote work and in-office work is desirable to support employees’ mental health. They also discussed the return-to-work process practicable for workers with mental health issues who cannot come to the office due to illness but may work at home. If the office allows remote work, it may be the first step for the employee to return to work. If duties performed via remote working are the same as those described in their employment contract, it is beneficial to develop a fitness for work assessment and support system for employees planning to return to home-based work. Moreover, some speakers confirmed that, in the case where the duties described in the employment contracts can be peformed only through remote work, returning to work through remote working is also appropriate in terms of reasonable accommodation