Health
Our Basic Health Management Policy & Objectives
We understand that promotion of improved health among our company members is an important corporate issue. Thus, in 2019 we established and released the Toyota Boshoku Health Declaration with the aim of promoting health-improving activities on a mid-term basis, and revised it in 2022.
Labor and management will continue working together to build a corporate culture and working environment where company members can work energetically and healthily in both mind and body.
Our Health Management Promotion System
With the CEO as the person holding chief responsibility, the Health & Safety Promotion Division, the HR Strategy Division, the Corporate Planning Division, and the Health Insurance Association, as the divisions responsible for promotion, hold periodic meetings to promote health management.
We have appointed a Health Activities Promotion Leader for each division, hold regular meetings and have created a system to further energize health activities throughout the company. At Health & Safety Function Meetings, as well as COVID-19 countermeasures meetings, we share information concerning health management promotion with overseas business entities and affiliated companies to enhance health awareness. Additionally, we are strengthening cooperation with labor unions and external organizations.
- Employee Assistance Program: a program that supports company members in dealing with issues which affect productivity.
Health Management Strategy Map
With regard to the health challenges facing the company, we believe that measures to address obesity rates, smoking rates, exercise habits, and sleep are needed. Furthermore, cross-analysis of health checkup data and stress check results revealed that improvements in exercise and eating habits during and beyond a person’s twenties is necessary, and that improvement of sleep and stress is important for presenteeism.
Based on the results of the analysis, we will continue to create strategy maps and promote activities.
- Data confirmation
- Results of stress check, morals survey and vibrant KPI
- Results of health checkup survey and interview
Work engagement (deviation value) [Toyota Boshoku]
| Fiscal year | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work engagement (deviation value) |
46 | 47 | 47 | 48.1 | 48.1 |
| Number of respondents (person) | 8,791 | 8,927 | 9,088 | 8,779 | 8,736 |
| Response rate (%) | 95.8 | 96.5 | 95.5 | 94.1 | 95.0 |
Company members’ attachment/commitment to the company.
Scaled to a mean of 50, with higher values indicating a better result. We aim to reach a deviation value of 50 by fiscal 2026.
Presenteeism (rate of lost productivity) [Toyota Boshoku]
| Fiscal year | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presenteeism (rate of lost productivity) |
－ | － | － | 37.9 | 37.3 |
| Number of respondents (person) | － | － | － | 8,734 | 8,703 |
| Response rate (%) | － | － | － | 93.7 | 94.6 |
- Collection of data began FY2022
WHO-HPQ （Health and Work Performance Questionnaire）measures absolute presenteeism.
“Presenteeism” refers to a state of affairs where a loss of productivity occurs as a result of a company member’s ability to work being impacted by health issues. Our aim is to reach 35% or lower by FY2026.
Absenteeism (absence from work due to injuries or sickness) [Toyota Boshoku]
| Year | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Absenteeism (days) | 3.1 | 2.7 | 2.7 | 2.7 | 2.8 |
- Employee-wide average number of days of work missed due to injuries or sickness
Health literacy improvement initiatives
◆Use of Health Challenge Eight
With the aim of each and every company member at Toyota Boshoku performing at their best, we have defined the Health Challenge Eight—eight targets which can affect a company member’s productivity, as well as their physical and mental health. Our goal is to achieve 5 out of 8 of the Health Challenge Eight targets. The Health Challenge Eight initiative aims to increase productivity and reduce health risks by improving the ability (health literacy) of each company member to think and act on their own health needs.
The eight targets of Health Challenge Eight:
| ① BMI | ② Breakfast | ③ Alcohol | ④ Snacking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 25% | Eating breakfast every day | No drinking, or at most 180ml a day | Limiting snacking after dinner to twice a week or less |
| ⑤ Smoking | ⑥ Exercise | ⑦ Sleep | ⑧ Stress |
| Not smoking | 30 minutes or more of exercise at least once a week | Sufficient, good-quality sleep | Not being affected by high stress |
Trend in number of Health Challenge Eight targets met
| Fiscal year | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Targets met | 4.52 | 4.85 |
Health checkup x number of Challenge Eight targets met
Ratio of presenteeism-induced loss, categorized by number of Challenge Eight targets met
Collaboration with Health Activities Promotion Leaders
Workplace-based activities were carried out, with Health Activities Promotion Leaders assigned to each division playing a central role. In the workplace-based activities for administrative and engineering divisions, participants chose from a variety of health lectures prepared by the occupational health staff, selecting the content and participation method that suited their own division. In manufacturing divisions, materials summarizing the health lectures were deployed through meetings and other means. Following these activities, discussions are held within the division to provide an opportunity to improve health awareness.
Additionally, department-specific walking events using a health portal site (PepUp) were planned, as well as other activities that allowed each department to engage in friendly competition and physical exercise.
We will continue to implement health activities that can be enjoyed in the workplace.
Health management initiatives and establishing a culture of health
Certified as an Excellent Enterprise of Health and Productivity Management
With the goal of ensuring that each and every company member is healthy and happy in both mind and body, and is able to perform to the best of their ability, labor and management work together to provide health support from both a physical and mental perspective.
These activities were evaluated, and in FY2024 Toyota Boshoku was recognized in the large enterprise category of the 2024 Certified Health and Productivity Management Organization Recognition Program (White 500), continuing from last year.
At this point in time, group companies are also engaging in their own activities, certified as a Health and Productivity Management Organization Recognition Program: large enterprises Araco, Toyota Boshoku Kyushu, Toyota Boshoku Tohoku, as well as small-to-medium enterprises Toyota Boshoku Shiga, TB Sewtech Tohoku, TB Kawashima, TB Engineering, TB Corporate Service, TB Technogreen, TB Logistics, and Toyota Boshoku Health Insurance Association.
Cultivating Good Physical Health
Health checkups held for all company members
The Toyota Boshoku group holds health checkups at all business sites, regardless of whether or not this is mandated by local law, and continues to maintain a 100% receiving rate for legally-mandated health checkups. As part of our health awareness raising activities, we will continue to provide follow-up appointments at infirmaries and worksites, and are aiming to achieve a 100% receiving rate for all health checkups independently provided by our various business sites.
Rate of company members receiving legally-mandated health checkups [Toyota Boshoku Group]
| Fiscal year | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate of company members receiving health checkup (%) | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
Rate of company members receiving detailed examinations after general health checkup [Toyota Boshoku]
| Fiscal year | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate of company members receiving detailed examinations after general health checkup (%) | 82.4 | 94.7 | 84.4 | 87.0 | 91.3 |
- Health-related guidance is given to 100% of company members receiving detailed examinations
Status of treatment for high blood pressure after receiving health checkup results [Toyota Boshoku]
| Fiscal year | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate of controlling blood pressure* (%) | 30.7 | 27.8 | 21.0 | 40.2 | 58.7 |
- Percentage of company members who are successfully controlling their high blood pressure (i.e. keeping it below 140/90mmHg) via medical treatment
- controlling blood pressure (%) ＝ number of people successfully controlling blood pressure via medical treatment number of people receiving medical treatment + number of people not receiving treatment
Specific health guidance initiatives
Specific health guidance* is considered an important measure to address the needs of high-risk individuals. In fiscal 2023, we increased the number of company members receiving specific health guidance and provided specific health guidance to 871 (61.9%) of the 1,407 eligible persons.
In fiscal 2024, we will implement specific health guidance on the day of in-house health checkups, and are considering a system to provide specific health guidance throughout the year. We will continue to work with the Health Insurance Association to increase the number of people receiving specific health guidance both internally and externally, while also enhancing the guidance content.
- Guidance given to individuals aged 40 and over who, despite a current high risk of lifestyle diseases, would likely be able to lower these risks via lifestyle improvements
Seminars for 28 year-old company members (Targeted Seminars)
By analyzing medical checkup results and the contents of medical interviews, it can be seen that various issues with exercise and diet, such as exercising and eating breakfast less frequently, tend to arise during one’s twenties. As a result of this, from fiscal 2023 we run special health seminars targeting 28 year-old company members, with the aim of improving health literacy from their twenties, improving lifestyle habits, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Number of participants: 157 (95.2%)
Health seminar for 35 year-old company members (Targeted Seminars)
We run special health seminars for 35 year-old company members, with the aim of improving health literacy and enabling a reversal of common trends such as a reduction in exercise and an increase in body weight.
Before the seminars, company members performed checks on their own fitness and stamina, and were provided with a report of the results. Then, company members whose flexibility or stamina were identified as lacking took part in lectures and practical exercise coaching with external instructors. Three months after these seminars, any changes in the company members’ exercise habits and awareness were carefully noted, and we are still supporting them to continue exercise.
Number of Participants: 222 people (96.1%)
Women’s health seminars
We hold seminars for learning about women’s medical issues, such as breast cancer and menopause, as well as how to deal with these issues, and approaches to maintaining hormonal balance. The contents of these seminars, run by external lecturers, are designed to respond to the needs of female company members, helping ease health issues uniquely faced by women, and supporting company members in leading high-quality, comfortable lifestyles. Due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, participants mostly took part remotely. However, by providing catch-up broadcasts for those who were not able to attend the seminars, more women were able to participate than ever before. In a survey of participants, many people gave positive responses such as, “The seminar helped me to feel positive,” and “I enjoyed moving my body.”
FY2023 Live participants: 68
Catch-up broadcast views: 462 views
Sleep seminars
At Toyota Boshoku there is a distinctive connection between presenteeism and the quality of a company member’s sleep. In fiscal 2023 we will launch seminars on sleep, as well as other activities aimed at ensuring and improving the quality of company members’ sleep. At the seminar, many questions and concerns were raised, such as, "What do you do when you wake up in the middle of the night?" and "I feel lethargic and not refreshed when I wake up." We were impressed by the high level of interest in sleep among company members. We will continue our sleep-related initiatives in the future.
FY2023 Live participants: 288
Catch-up broadcast views: 244 views
Posting of fitness videos and health-related columns
The pandemic has led to wide-scale negative health impacts among company members, such as weight gain, worsening health checkup results and increases in feelings of anxiety, with many company members discussing their desire to reverse the trend of decreased physical activity.
In response, we have posted health-related columns and fitness videos on the company’s intranet. This content draws approximately 1,000 viewers per month, pointing to true interest and engagement among staff.
We will continue to hold seminars in a variety of formats, including online and in group settings, in line with the COVID-19 infection status and working styles. We will also add new health-related columns and continue to post them.
Health management using smartphones
We support health activities using a health portal site (app) called PepUp.
In fiscal 2023, events such as quizzes related to the Health Challenge Eight and inter-departmental walking rallies were held via PepUp to encourage participation through an incentive system.
As of March 2023, there were 4,246 registrants (46.3% registration rate, up by 1,017 persons from the previous year). We will continue to plan events that allow company members to participate while having fun, and we will use this as one of our initiatives to improve the health literacy of company members, while also increasing the number of registrants.
Health Challenge Eight activities, and strengthening our specific health guidance system
The percentage of company members with a BMI 25 or more (overweight) has risen since 2012. However, in FY2022 this number dropped for the first time in eight years.
The 268 individuals who made improvements to their BMI (i.e. went from a BMI 25 or more to a BMI under 25) showed positive changes to their results for the Health Challenge Eight categories “Exercise” and “Snacking.” The average Health Challenge Eight score for the 69 individuals who showed particularly large improvements (a change in body weight of at least 5 kg) had increased from 3.87 to 4.58. After checking the distribution of data, several factors (such as the fact that the number of scores of 4 or less decreased, while scores of 5 or more increased) indicate that the decision to set the Health Challenge Eight target as 5 out of 8 was a sound one.
Additionally, health checkup verdicts of “further examination or treatment required” were halved, while verdicts of “no issues” increased in number. From these results, it can be concluded that these changes are linked with improvements in presenteeism and absenteeism, and that lifestyle improvements are linked with improvements to BMI, as well as a reduction in health risks.
Finally, we can see that of the 268 aforementioned individuals who made improvements to their BMI, 16.2% of those aged 40 or over had taken part in specific health guidance,* while this number for those showing particularly large improvements was 25%.
From fiscal 2023 onward, we have been increasing the number of persons receiving specific health guidance. We will continue to enhance the rate and quality of specific health guidance and verify its effectiveness.
We will keep on aiming to improve the performance of company members by enhancing the Health Challenge Eight initiative and specific health guidance, which serve as an impetus for lifestyle improvement.
- Guidance given to individuals aged 40 and over who, despite a current high risk of lifestyle diseases, would likely be able to lower these risks via lifestyle improvements.
Changes in percentage of company members with BMI 25 or more
Anti-smoking activities
The smoking rate at Toyota Boshoku has been decreasing year by year. Although it was 29.6% in fiscal 2023, falling below 30% for the first time, it remains high compared to the national average (16.7% in 2020). Considering that this constitutes a risk of future disease, to protect the health of company members, their families, and the people around them, we have been continuously implementing smoking cessation support activities to reduce the smoking rate, starting with the abolition of in-house cigarette sales in 2008, setting up three non-smoking days per month, subsidizing the purchase of smoking cessation medication, and assisting company members to visit smoking cessation clinics. Successful quitters have commented that these measures helped them to stay motivated.
In fiscal 2023, in preparation for the total ban of smoking on the premises starting in April 2023, we actively conducted activities to ensure company members were informed and to gain their understanding, and promoted the use of smoking cessation support. The ban then came into effect in April. The number of people using smoking cessation medication assistance has increased more than 10-fold compared to an average year, and spurred on by the ban on smoking in-house, there are many people who have either quit smoking or are trying to quit. Therefore, we expect to further reduce smoking rates in the coming fiscal year and beyond.
Smoking rate [Toyota Boshoku]
![Graph:Smoking rate [Toyota Boshoku]](/_assets/img/sustainability/social/safety/img13_2_01@global.svg)
Cultivating Good Mental Health
Activities to cultivate good mental health
Toyota Boshoku provides self-care training to new company members, second-year company members, and first-year mid-career company members, with the aim of preventing mental health issues associated with life changes. We also focus on line care training, including training for new managers and supervisors, and training by job level.
For company members with mental health issues, the HR Strategy Division works with industrial physicians and occupational health staff to provide support for returning to work.
Stress checks are conducted once a year, and efforts are made to prevent mental health problems by interviewing and consulting with high-stress company members in cooperation with external organizations. In addition, the applicable divisions are selected based on the organization’s stress check results, and in-house occupational health staff and outside organizations also work together to provide line care support.
Changes in work styles and lifestyles due to the effects of COVID-19 have frequently impacted on mental health. We will continue to provide support to our company members with a caring and approachable attitude, while cooperating with other divisions including the enhancement of consultation services.
Stress check response rate [Toyota Boshoku]
| Fiscal year | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stress check response rate (%) | 95.8 | 96.5 | 95.5 | 94.1 | 95.0 |
Changes in stress response (deviation value) [Toyota Boshoku]
| Fiscal year | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Changes in Stress Response | 54 | 54 | 55 | 49.1 | 49.3 |
Scaled to a mean of 50, with higher values indicating a better result. From fiscal 2022 our criteria for calculation became stricter, thanks to a review by an external organization.
Percentage of company members with high stress [Toyota Boshoku]
| Fiscal year | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of company members with high stress (%) | 5.4 | 5.2 | 4.3 | 5.2 | 5.1 |
Infectious disease measures
Epidemics have been experienced in the past, including swine influenza and SARS. The Toyota Boshoku group has taken effective measures to manage and overcome such epidemics, including COVID-19. We will continue taking measures to prevent infection among company members, and to stop the spread of viruses both within the Toyota Boshoku group and our local communities. We also share data about the number of infected persons with our affiliates and suppliers in order to minimize the impact on production in the event of the spread of infection. We will continue to work closely with these companies and provide assistance when there is a spread of infection.
In addition, we are fully aware of the importance of fighting worldwide health issues, such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria (sometimes referred to as “the 3 major infectious diseases”). Whenever company members are transferred to overseas, Toyota Boshoku carries out various measures for the benefit of both these company members and their families, including vaccinations and the distribution of detailed information regarding infection risks.