'It's essential to prevent issues arising before they occur,' says expert
The percentage of teachers and school staff in Japan who are experiencing high levels of stress reached a record high of 11.7% in 2023.
This figure has been in an increasing trend since the Japan Mutual Aid Association of Public School Teachers began carrying out the survey in 2016, Nippon reported.
Only 2020 recorded a year of decline due to temporary school closures brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the association.
"It is essential to prevent issues arising, such as teachers having to take sick leave, before they occur, by working to improve the work environment," the association said as quoted by Nippon.
The survey is carried out among members of the association, who include teachers and staff from public elementary, junior high, and high schools across Japan.
In 2022, the poll found that the percentage who took sick leave due to mental health issues reached 0.71%.
The individuals most likely to say they feel stressed include junior high and high school teachers, especially those who are in their 30s and 40s.
Meanwhile, the top cause of stress for teachers and school staff in 2022 was administrative workload, as cited by 21.4% of the respondents. Other factors include:
The findings come as work-induced mental health disorders rise in Japan, with average working hours going up by three hours in the previous year.
To improve working conditions, an expert panel of the National Personnel Authority proposed last year the introduction of 11-hour rest intervals, expansion of flextime, as well as expanded eligibility for selective four-day workweek.
