Japan Press Weekly

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2016 October 26 - November 1 TOP3 [LABOR]

Dentsu was certified as ‘worker-friendly company’

Japan’s major advertising agency Dentsu, where a 24-year-old worker committed suicide from overwork, has been certified by the Labor Ministry as a “worker-friendly” company.

The Labor Ministry has a certification program for companies working to reduce their employees’ working hours. Companies can use the certificate to entice jobseekers and new graduates by claiming that they offer a good working environment.

According to an Akahata article published on October 26, the ministry in 2007, 2010, and 2013 awarded this certificate to Dentsu. In 2008 and 2009, the ministry chose the ad agency as one of the ten companies that were most enthusiastic in the promotion of a work-life balance.

However, it is clear that Dentsu is not qualified to be awarded the certificate.

In 2013, a Dentsu worker’s death was recognized as work-related. In 2014 and 2015, the company’s Tokyo main office and Kansai branch received instructions from local labor standards inspection offices to stop forcing workers to work excessively long hours because it is illegal. In December 2015, a female employee committed suicide after working excessive overtime. Four months earlier, the ad agency was urged to reduce workers’ working hours.

Dentsu in its website declares, “We consider people to be our greatest asset.”

Past related articles:
> Eliminate overwork driving workers to death [October 12, 2016]
> Dentsu worker’s suicide recognized as work-related [October 8, 2016]