Abstract
The stress check program, which became effective in 2015, consists of a stress check (a questionnaire
survey), face-to-face guidance provided by a physician for workers under high stress conditions, and improvement of the work environment based on the results of the stress check. The main aim of the program is primary prevention of mental health disorders in employees, but secondary prevention of disorders should also be taken into consideration in the faceto- face guidance. In the face-to-face guidance, the following must be conducted for each applicant: confirmation of job stressors, stress conditions and other conditions, assessment of the relevance of work to the stress condition and the presence or absence of a depressive state, guidance for self-care, encouragement of medical consultation, and appropriate measures for the workers (as necessary). Some appropriate ways and means should be devised to conduct the guidance effectively within a limited time. Periodic health examinations, health education, workshop inspections, and management education for supervisors should be connected with the face-to-face guidance for the primary and secondary prevention of mental disorders.
