Jun 02 (Nikkei) - Regulations to protect workers in Japan from abusive bosses and colleagues took effect Monday to criticism that it only provides a road map to desk-bound bullies.
Large companies now must combat so-called power harassment -- which includes such acts as striking an employee with one's bare hands or an object, according to the labor ministry. But an accidental collision does not count.
Critics say the overprecise cases provided by the ministry will only allow abusive colleagues at the office to evade responsibility by basing their defenses on the counterexamples, eroding the effectiveness of the regulations.
"It was not appropriate to list examples that are not applicable," said Naoto Sasayama, a Tokyo-based attorney.
Large companies are now legally required to have strict policies against workplace bullying. They must train employees and have a contact point for reporting cases of abuse. Companies allowing egregious abuse to occur will have their names made public by the government.
Small and midsize businesses must make efforts toward prevention through March 2022. Afterward, the rules will fully apply to them as well.
