Japan workplace harassment law reforms

Japanese businesses are preparing for upcoming legal reforms scheduled for 2026. Under the revised Labor Policy Comprehensive Promotion Act and the Equal Employment Opportunity Act, all companies, regardless of size, will be required to implement measures against customer harassment and sexual harassment during recruitment, as well as establish consultation frameworks.

In response to these mandates, various organizations are providing resources. For example, MakeLeaps Inc. has published a policy to protect employees from customer harassment, while Altius Link released a guide for contact center operations. Additionally, the Tokai Social Insurance Labor Consultant Corporation is hosting seminars to assist small and medium-sized enterprises in developing internal systems.

Starting October 1, 2026, employers must follow specific guidelines to manage issues arising from the behavior of customers and third parties. Required actions include clarifying company policies, establishing consultation systems, and ensuring rapid, appropriate responses to incidents. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has issued new guidelines to support the effectiveness of these preventive measures.