Japanese workers are increasingly using agencies to notify their employers of medical leave and handle the associated administrative procedures [1].
This trend highlights a growing mental health crisis in the Japanese workforce, where the fear of facing management prevents employees from seeking necessary medical treatment. By outsourcing the communication, workers attempt to preserve their employment while addressing psychological distress.
The services, known as "leave-of-absence agencies," have seen a surge in use since April 2024 [2]. These agencies act as intermediaries, conveying the employee's intent to take leave, and managing the paperwork required to start the process [1].
While the services are used across a broad spectrum of ages, the demographics show a distinct pattern. Users in their 20s represent the largest group, followed by employees in their late 40s and 50s [1], [3]. Many of these users are full-time employees who do not wish to resign but feel a strong sense of fear regarding returning to the office [1], [2].
Public reaction to the trend is divided. Some workers believe the ability to communicate through an agency is unnecessary if the person intends to return to work. "Since there is a plan to return to work, I think it is something they should be able to say themselves," said a company employee in their 30s [4].
Other critics argue that using a third party damages professional relationships. A worker in their 50s said that such services would affect human relations later on, and that they would not want to use them because it would make them want to avoid the company even more [4].
Despite these concerns, the demand persists for those who experience extreme mental burdens. The services provide a buffer for individuals who feel incapable of initiating the conversation with their supervisors [1], [3].
“Users in their 20s represent the largest group, followed by employees in their late 40s and 50s.”
The rise of leave-of-absence agencies suggests a systemic failure in Japanese corporate communication and mental health support. While traditional resignation agencies have existed, the shift toward leave-of-absence services indicates that employees are fighting to keep their jobs while being unable to navigate the social friction of reporting illness. This reflects a broader tension between the rigid expectations of Japanese workplace loyalty and a growing inability of workers to cope with high-pressure environments.
