Kanagawa Central Bus Adopts Sleep Monitoring Device 'Wellnee Sleep' and Drug Screening Service to Enhance Driver Health Management and Operational Efficiency

Background of Implementation: Reevaluating Sleep Management Due to Drivers’ Unique Work Environment

At Kanagawa Central Bus, drivers work under a shift-based schedule that includes early morning, late-night, and overtime shifts, creating an unstable lifestyle. As a result, addressing poor sleep quality and accumulated chronic fatigue has become a critical management challenge.

While the company had previously attempted sleep monitoring, traditional devices caused discomfort during use, with feedback such as 'the device makes it hard to fall asleep.' Additionally, when retesting was required, the time needed to finalize results created long waiting periods and placed a heavy administrative burden on staff, posing a significant challenge.

HR Department: Mr. Hoshi, Department Head

Mr. Hoshi, Head of the HR Department, commented:

'For drivers, the hassle of wearing the device and discomfort during sleep were far from minor issues. We also felt the need to improve the long wait for results and the burden on our administrative staff.'

Key Factor in Adopting Wellnee Sleep: 'Immediate Results Available the Next Day'

Compact, Palm-Sized Design

The solution introduced under these circumstances is the sleep monitoring device 'Wellnee Sleep.' The decisive factors for adoption were the speed of receiving results the next day after measurement and the low-burden measurement method for users. The ability to simultaneously improve both 'waiting time for results' and 'discomfort from wearing devices' was highly valued.

Furthermore, the ability to visualize body movements and sleeping posture during sleep also supported the decision to adopt the device. Since sleeping on one’s side is considered effective for managing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), being able to monitor this behavior allows for more practical evaluation of sleep conditions and enables targeted improvement measures.

Additionally, the scoring methodology used to comprehensively evaluate sleep data has been endorsed by occupational physicians and sleep medicine specialists, ensuring reliability. The ability to conduct assessments based on medical expertise was another key factor in the adoption decision.

Achieving Cost Reduction and Operational Efficiency

After implementation, the cost per measurement device was reduced by approximately 30% compared to previous methods. Moreover, while staff previously had to individually track each participant and manage results, the introduction of Wellnee Sleep has significantly streamlined operations, enabling smooth referrals to detailed examinations for those who require them.

'Previously, we spent a lot of time confirming results and following up with participants. Now, the burden on our staff has been greatly reduced. With simpler operations, we can now allocate more time not only to management tasks but also to core responsibilities such as safety and health management,' said Mr. Hoshi.

Switching Drug Screening to Wipe-Based Testing: Significantly Reducing On-Site Burden

Kanagawa Central Bus is also improving operations for drug screening tests. Traditional urine testing required supervision, designated testing locations, privacy considerations, and gender-specific procedures, creating significant burdens for both administrators and participants.

The currently adopted wipe-based test requires only wiping the neck area with gauze, enabling shorter testing times and reduced psychological stress.

'Procedures such as changing supervisors based on gender are no longer necessary, and constraints regarding testing locations have been greatly reduced. This makes testing easier for employees and highly efficient for administrators,' said Mr. Hoshi.

Further Advancing Health Management

At Kanagawa Central Bus, because drivers are highly specialized professionals, creating an environment where each individual can remain healthy and thrive long-term is a key priority.

The company believes that rather than responding only after illness or health issues arise, supporting employee health maintenance as an organization and creating a safe, sustainable work environment is a crucial aspect of health management.

Moving forward, in addition to conducting sleep seminars, the company is considering establishing a system for regular sleep monitoring based on age and fiscal year, aiming to transition toward a continuous health management system. The company also plans to address presenteeism (reduced productivity due to health issues).

As these initiatives progress, changes in employees’ own awareness of health are beginning to emerge.

Additionally, the company is considering expanding the use of Wellnee Sleep across other companies within the Kanagawa Central Bus Group, promoting low-burden health management initiatives.

Company Overview

Kanagawa Central Bus Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: 6-18 Yaesakicho, Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Business: Passenger transportation, real estate, and hotel operations
Website: Kanagawa Central Bus Co., Ltd. Official Site

About Next Link Co., Ltd.

Next Link Co., Ltd. operates under the mission of 'Connecting People and Society’s Health,' providing health management solutions such as the sleep monitoring device 'Wellnee Sleep' and drug screening services.

Focusing on transportation, logistics, and construction industries, the company offers services that support both corporate safety operations and employee health.

Contact Information

Next Link Co., Ltd.
Address: 2nd Floor, Showa Neon Headquarters Building, 1-7-17 Minamishinagawa, Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo
Email: info@next-link.tokyo

Website: https://www.next-link.tokyo/

TEL: 03-6260-2160 (Phone reception hours: 10:00 – 16:00)