Japan Passes Law Against Workplace Bullying

Japan’s parliament voted on May 29, 2019 to require companies to take stricter action against harassment in the workplace, including implementing “consultation systems” to prevent it, and prohibiting employers from firing or mistreating workers who speak up about harassment, according to broadcaster NHK. The abuse of power has been defined to include “excessive words and behavior by people who take advantage of their superior positions, harming the working environment,” according to newswire Kyodo.
 
The law also includes other forms of harassment. For example, companies are required to “enhance understanding” of harassment against pregnant women. However, the law does not contain provisions on punishment for companies that violate the law. Further, the government refrained from imposing an outright ban on workplace harassment due to the difficulty in specifying what actions constitute harassment.
 
Additional information: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/05/29/national/japan-bolsters-fight-workplace-harassment-punitive-measures-elusive/#.XREEROhKjIU.