On March 10, 2025, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan announced the list of companies certified as "Health & Productivity Management Outstanding Organizations 2025." This initiative aims to recognize organizations committed to improving employee health management through strategic measures, thereby enhancing workplace wellness.
This year, significant players such as Tokyo Century Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Mitsui Card Co., Ltd., Olympus Corporation, and Shimadzu Corporation have joined the ranks of recognized enterprises. Their commitment to well-being is evident through innovative programs and effective management practices, each aimed at fostering healthier work environments.
Tokyo Century Co., Ltd., known for its financial services and leasing operations, received the prestigious certification, marking its dedication to health management. The company emphasizes creating an invigorated workplace for employees as it believes maintaining mental and physical health is pivotal. "We have recognized our achievement as supportive of our employees and their families’ health, fueling our commitment to continuous improvement," stated Tokyo Century’s representative.
Meanwhile, Sumitomo Mitsui Card Co., Ltd., with its headquarters located in Koto, Tokyo, has been recognized for five consecutive years under the same health management program. "Health management is positioned as a key corporate priority, and we will continue to promote it for our employees' physical and mental well-being," reiterated the company’s president, Yukihiko Onishi, acknowledging the collective commitment to employee wellness.
Olympus Corporation, known for its medical technologies, along with its subsidiaries, was also distinguished as part of the certification. The Olympus Group has been celebrated for nine years running for its successful implementation of comprehensive health initiatives. The company’s focus on impactful health strategies—especially related to health management through partnerships with health insurance unions—enables it to provide substantial support for employees and their families. Their strategy includes extensive health screenings, wellness campaigns, and initiatives like stress management checks, which have reached 100% participation among employees.
Shimadzu Corporation, another notable name recognized, has taken significant steps to promote workplace health with their specific health initiatives—like subsidizing cancer screenings and encouraging health-conscious lifestyles among workers. Their comprehensive approach to health promotion includes unique initiatives known as MCI Screening Inspection Plus, which assesses mild cognitive impairment risks. "We are proud to have achieved this recognition, as it validates our continual effort to improve employee health through innovative approaches, emphasizing both workplace and individual health management," said Shimadzu’s representatives.
This year saw a tremendous increase as 3,400 large corporations and 19,796 SMEs were certified as Health & Productivity Management Outstanding Organizations. Companies like Olympus, Tokyo Century, and others set the standard for employee health initiatives within their respective industries. The health management certification also reflects growing awareness and emphasis on corporate responsibility for employee wellness.
The selection process was careful and rigorous, with companies evaluated on their commitment to health and productivity. Each organization was judged on their health management initiatives, which undergo positive changes through employee feedback. This marks the start of another period of commitment to fostering inclusive health practices across all sectors.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry aims to create transparency and shared learning opportunities among these organizations. By promoting best practices surrounding employee health management publicly, they are advocating for stronger corporate environments where employees can thrive.
Over the years, there has been increasing attention and investment toward ensuring employee health as part of organizations’ strategic planning, with these recognitions fostering motivation within the broader corporate culture. The overarching goal is to inspire other enterprises to follow suit and adopt comprehensive health strategies as seen with the monetary benefits justified over time.
These outstanding companies are paving the way toward healthier futures not only for their employees but also for the communities they operate within. Healthier workplaces can lead to higher levels of productivity, employee satisfaction, engagement, and, eventually, long-term success.
Overall, this rigorous certification program reflects growing acknowledgment of the necessity and advantages of employee wellness. The continued focus on health management will undoubtedly shape positively the corporate frameworks, encouraging organizations to innovate and engage deeply with health-minded strategies moving forward.