Processes Leading to Software Developers Taking Long-term Leave from IT Work Due to Mental Health Issues

Abstract

　The purpose of this study is to clarify triggers and processes leading to some software developers working in the IT industry taking long-term leave due to mental health issues, in order to gain insights into support that could facilitate early intervention. To achieve this purpose, we conducted semi-structured interviews with seven software developers in their 20s and 30s working in the IT industry. All interviewees had been reinstated after leaves of absence lasting more than a month due to mental health issues（or mood disorders）. Investigation of the causes of mental health issues arising from work stress revealed that the following three factors are involved in the process leading to mental shutdown and long-term leave：isolation despite the appearance of being connected to the workplace, bottling up problems and driving oneself into a corner, and turning in on oneself. This indicates that support to avoid isolation is the key preventive measure, and this requires occupational healthcare staff to cooperate with those in the workplace at all stages to promptly identify souring relationships and a sense of isolation, and provide timely counseling.