Stress checks become mandatory for workplaces with fewer than 50 workers (April 2028)Even small companies will have to do a "stress check"
Under the amended Industrial Safety and Health Act promulgated in May 2025, stress checks, which had been only a "best-efforts" obligation for the time being at workplaces with fewer than 50 workers, will become mandatory from April 1, 2028 (Reiwa 10). In February 2026 (Reiwa 8), the MHLW published an implementation manual for small workplaces.A stress check is a questionnaire that finds out whether work is wearing out your mind. Until now, companies with few people were only asked to "do it if you can," but from April 2028, even small companies must do it.
- May 2025Amended Industrial Safety and Health Act promulgated
- February 2026 (Reiwa 8)Implementation manual for small workplaces published
- April 1, 2027 (Reiwa 9)Rules specify group analysis must not identify individuals
- April 1, 2028 (Reiwa 10)Stress checks become mandatory even for workplaces with fewer than 50 workers
- 1. NowSmall companies "do it if they can"
- 2. PrepareRead the manual and decide who will do it
- 3. April 1, 2028Even small companies must do it