Workplace power harassment prevention measures are an employer obligation: the 6 typical types and the revised guidelinesCompanies must prevent bullying at work (power harassment)
Taking the measures needed in employment management to prevent workplace power harassment has been an employer obligation since June 1, 2020 (Reiwa 2), and since April 1, 2022 (Reiwa 4) for small and medium-sized enterprises. The MHLW sorts typical examples into 6 types and also publishes revised guidelines that apply from October 1, 2026 (Reiwa 8).
- June 5, 2019 (Reiwa 1)Amended act promulgated
- June 1, 2020 (Reiwa 2)Employers' obligation to take prevention measures takes effect
- April 1, 2022 (Reiwa 4)The obligation extends to employers of small and medium-sized enterprises
- October 1, 2026 (Reiwa 8)Revised guidelines apply
Key points
- The amended act was promulgated on June 5, 2019 (Reiwa 1). Power harassment prevention measures took effect on June 1, 2020, and became obligatory for SMEs on April 1, 2022.
- The 6 typical types: physical attacks, psychological attacks, separation from relationships, excessive demands, insufficient demands, and invasion of privacy.
- The 6 types do not cover every kind of workplace power harassment.
- The version of the employer guidelines (MHLW Notice No. 5 of 2020) that applies from October 1, 2026 is posted on the page.
- The page also points to the General Labor Consultation Corners as an outside place to seek advice.
What to do in practice
- Review your company's policy statement and notification, and your consultation setup, in line with the revised guidelines.
- Share the 6 types in in-house training and the like.
When someone with more power at work goes beyond the limits of the job and bullies or hurts another person, it is called power harassment. Companies are required to take steps so that it does not happen. The government shows 6 common forms.
- 1. BodyHitting, kicking
- 2. MindThreatening, terrible insults
- 3. Left outIgnoring, shutting someone out
- 4. Too muchForcing impossible work
- 5. Too littleGiving no work at all
- 6. Private lifePrying into personal matters
Points
- Companies have a duty to prevent power harassment
- There are 6 common forms, but there are others too
- If you are in trouble, you can also talk to a consultation service outside the company
What the words mean
- Power harassment
- Going too far in words or actions by using a position of strength
- Guidelines
- A standard way of doing things set out by the government
- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW): MHLW: Workplace harassment
This article summarizes and explains materials published by government agencies and is not advice on any individual case. Rules can change, so for actual procedures and decisions always check the latest original materials and consult professionals such as tax accountants or labor and social security attorneys. English, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese versions are translations prepared from the Japanese articles for convenience. If anything differs, the Japanese text and the original source take precedence.