M-Stage Launches "Support System for Balancing Medical Treatment and Work"

M-Stage Group (Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; Group CEO: Yuji Sugita) will launch a comprehensive "Support System for Balancing Medical Treatment and Work" on April 1st. This initiative reorganizes and expands multi-layered systems to create an environment where employees can continue to work with peace of mind while receiving appropriate medical treatment.

The "Support System for Balancing Medical Treatment and Work" enhances support across the phases of prevention, treatment, and work-life balance. Key features include a "Health Promotion Bonus" providing up to 20,000 yen annually for optional screenings for major diseases, a "Cancer Diagnosis Grant" of 500,000 yen to support treatment and living expenses upon a cancer diagnosis, and "Life Support Leave," which grants up to 30 days of leave per year—usable in one-hour increments—for employees requiring ongoing medical treatment. Additionally, the company has appointed in-house "Balance Support Coordinators" to assist employees in managing their treatment and work.

Background and Purpose With the amendment of the Act on Comprehensive Promotion of Labor Measures, all companies will be required to make efforts to support employees in balancing medical treatment and work starting April 1, 2026. As a group operating in the medical and healthcare sector, we believe it is a critical task to embody an environment where employees facing illness do not have to abandon their careers due to treatment, nor miss opportunities for appropriate care due to work.

This system aims to build a clear and comprehensive support structure by reorganizing our existing flexible work arrangements and health management policies to address the specific needs of medical treatment, while incorporating new measures aimed at prevention, early detection, and financial support.

Key Initiatives of the "Support System for Balancing Medical Treatment and Work"

◼︎ Support for Prevention and Early Detection ・[Revised] Health Promotion Bonus: For non-smoking employees, we provide a subsidy of up to 20,000 yen (tax included) per year for optional medical screenings that contribute to the early detection of the three major diseases (cancer, stroke, and myocardial infarction). ・Smoking Cessation Support: We provide a subsidy of up to 20,000 yen once per year for the purchase of smoking cessation medication, whether through a smoking cessation clinic or via individual counseling with an in-house public health nurse. ・Health Promotion Achievement Allowance: An annual payment of 30,000 yen is provided to employees who meet annual criteria: a paid leave utilization rate of 60% or higher, overtime within company regulations, non-smoking status, no tardiness or absences, and maintaining a standard BMI (based on health check results). ・[New] Promotion of Secondary Screenings: If a health checkup indicates the need for a secondary screening (re-examination or detailed examination), the time taken for the appointment will be treated as "working hours," and all transportation costs will be covered. Employees are instructed to undergo these screenings as a work order to ensure a swift transition to early treatment.

◼︎ Time and Financial Support at the Start of Treatment ・[New] Cancer Diagnosis Grant: Employees with at least one year of service who are diagnosed with a "malignant neoplasm" for the first time while employed will receive 500,000 yen to support treatment and living expenses, reducing financial anxiety during the initial phase of treatment and encouraging a prompt start to care.

◼︎ Time and Organizational Support for Balancing Work ・[New] Life Support Staggered Working Hours: Employees can select start and end time patterns to balance work with medical treatment, pregnancy, childcare, or nursing care. ・[New] Life Support Leave: Up to 30 days of unpaid leave per year is granted for the purpose of treating illnesses that require ongoing hospital visits. This can be used in one-hour increments. ・[New] Support by Balance Support Coordinators: HR staff with professional certifications will create "Balance Support Plans" tailored to individual situations and provide ongoing support toward returning to work or continuing employment.

In addition, we will continue to support the balance between treatment and work by combining various systems, such as remote work, shortened working hours, and paid leave that can be used in one-hour increments.

By leveraging the insights gained through the operation of this system, we will pursue a model of sustainable working styles as a company involved in medical and healthcare. Through our own practice, we will prove that health management and appropriate support for employees lead to the improvement of a company's business value and competitiveness.