Objective

Mental health issues among employees cause significant productivity losses through presenteeism and absenteeism. This study aimed to quantify productivity losses caused by employees with mental health issues in Japan.

Methods

Participants were recruited to match the Japanese population distribution by gender, age, and region. Mental health status and productivity loss were assessed using self-administered questionnaires. The results were extrapolated to estimate nationwide impact calculated using probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

Results

We analyzed 27,507 individuals. Productivity loss due to mental health-related presenteeism was estimated at $46.73 billion, and absenteeism at $1.85 billion, equivalent to 1.1% of Japan’s GDP and over seven times the medical costs for mental disorders. Women in their 20s reported more mental health issues than men.

Conclusion

These results highlight the urgent need for businesses and governments to enhance workplace mental health measures.