Many Reclusive Hikikomori in Japan... Why Focus on Workplace Isolation [Youth Isolation 24 Hours]

<6> How the World Is Addressing Isolation Issues
② Japan's Largest Think Tank Nomura Research Institute
Joint Study on Isolation Among 20s and 30s Workers
Interview with Consultants Ai Sakata and Wakako Tachibana
"Companies Must Take the Lead in Solving Loneliness"

"70% of people in their 20s and 30s who answered that they feel lonely were office workers." Japan's largest think tank, Nomura Research Institute (NRI), published a report last November focusing on the isolation of office workers in their 20s and 30s. Titled "Now is the Time for Companies to Face the Loneliness of Youth," this report caused a significant stir in Japan upon its release. While there have been many studies on reclusive individuals known as 'hikikomori,' there had been no focus on the sense of isolation experienced by young office workers who are most actively engaged in social and economic activities.

Co-researchers Ai Sakata and Wakako Tachibana, senior consultants at NRI's Social Systems Consulting Department, pointed out in an interview with Asia Economy that "their loneliness is a bigger problem because it is not visible." Since there are no visible signs such as unauthorized absences, seclusion, or self-harm, everyday isolation continues to be overlooked.

Therefore, they diagnosed that solutions must be sought in the workplace, where these individuals spend most of their time. The two said, "Office workers in their 20s and 30s rarely receive services from local governments unless it is for employment support or childcare. Companies, where they spend more than 10 hours a day, must take the initiative to solve this problem," adding, "It is also essential for improving corporate productivity."

Sakata Ai (left) and Wakako Tachibana, Senior Consultants at the Social Systems Consulting Department of Nomura Research Institute, Japan. (Photo by Nomura Research Institute)

- Why focus on the isolation of office workers in their 20s and 30s instead of hikikomori?

▲ Hikikomori can be seen as a stage where symptoms such as not attending school or work have already appeared. While previous efforts focused on addressing hikikomori, we wanted to emphasize the importance of prevention by concentrating on everyday isolation before such symptoms manifest.

Japan established a minister responsible for loneliness in 2021, second only to the UK, but policies still strongly focus on the elderly (such as lonely deaths). Because attention has been on hikikomori and the elderly, office workers in their 20s and 30s are rarely addressed as a policy target regarding isolation issues. This is why the majority, including the media, reacted with surprise when the survey results were announced.

Youths have almost no contact points to receive public support. A local government social welfare officer lamented, "It is harder to reach young people working in companies. They don't even attend local events, so we have no idea what they usually do or where they gather." The only way to grasp the situation is to go to busy downtown areas three times a week and stop young people on the street to ask.

Thus, young people are more prone to loneliness. According to the research, the percentage of respondents who answered "always or sometimes" to the question "How often do you compare yourself to others?" was highest among people in their 30s at 66%, followed by 64% in their 20s. The higher usage rate of social networking services (SNS) compared to other age groups is cited as a cause. The problem is that 58% of those who said they compare themselves to others also reported feeling lonely on a daily basis. In other words, they are a group more likely to fall into loneliness.

Office workers in their 20s and 30s spend more time with colleagues than with family or friends. Therefore, it was judged that the focus should now be on companies. Not all young people work for companies, but at least companies can be one of the main agents in solving youth loneliness.

- Among young people in Korea, many question the importance of maintaining close relationships at work. How is the situation in Japan?

▲ Japan is in a similar situation. Especially among younger age groups, workplace relationships are considered less important. Workplace events such as drinking parties or sports days have decreased. With the spread of remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, workplace connections have become even looser. Middle-aged and older workers have recently been reluctant to interact with younger generations due to concerns about power harassment (bullying using a superior's position), leading to even less communication.

Differences in values also contribute to disconnection. Supervisors from the Showa era, who worked with the hope that effort leads to wealth, and subordinates who grew up during the long stagnation known as the "Lost 30 Years" do not share values and struggle to communicate.

Ironically, this disconnection is said to further promote their isolation. According to a 2021 survey by cloud technology company Chargebee targeting companies in the US and UK, 81% of full-time remote workers aged 18 to 34 reported feeling more isolated than when commuting to work. Young people are not saying "leave me alone"; in reality, they want "someone to talk to," "to be noticed," and "to have casual conversations."

- Why do you think companies should take action to solve youth isolation in the workplace?

▲ The first reason is preventive, and the second is corporate productivity. Loneliness reduces labor productivity. Many studies, mainly in Western countries, support this. According to a survey by US healthcare company Cigna, employees who feel isolated have higher stress-related absenteeism rates and take more than five days off annually compared to those who do not. The estimated cost borne by employers reaches $154 billion (about 212 trillion KRW) annually. It is also detrimental to workers personally, as decreased work efficiency eventually leads to negative evaluations from those around them.

- What are some ways to alleviate isolation in the workplace?

▲ Companies can introduce mentor or instructor systems where employees can share their concerns or set up counseling centers. Many companies are already implementing such measures.

However, the easiest and most effective method is casual conversation. Survey results show that young people feeling isolated want light communication rather than formal counseling or advice. Psychology has a theory called the "mere exposure effect," which states that the more often people encounter the same person or object, the more likely they are to develop a favorable impression. Serious conversations can make it harder to approach others. Repeated casual conversations can help foster familiarity even in the workplace.

Work efficiency can also improve. According to a 2018 survey by Japanese advertising company Dentsu, the vitality of people who said they "chat at work" was about 33% higher than those who said they do not. Cosmetics company Kos? has launched the "Second Home" project to address intensified workplace isolation and disconnection caused by COVID-19. They form a "pseudo-family" by grouping about five employees of different ages and job types and hold monthly online meetings with a light topic chosen by new employees to encourage free conversation. Thanks to this, new employees' sense of belonging at work has greatly strengthened, and senior employees gave positive feedback, saying, "I didn't know how to deal with young employees, but this was a good opportunity."

- What changes have occurred in Japan since the report was published?

▲ Many people were surprised by the fact that people in their 20s and 30s feel lonely, and media interview requests flooded in. Of course, most companies still do not seem to think urgent action is necessary. However, changes can be seen as having begun. Food company Base Food started lunch gatherings where employees cook and share meals together in the company kitchen. We will continue to emphasize the need to seriously address the isolation problem among people in their 20s and 30s.

Check your level of loneliness and risk of social isolation

- Loneliness and Social Isolation Scale

https://www.asiae.co.kr/en/list/project/2024050314290051322A

If you want to read the 'Youth Isolation 24 Hours' articles

<1>Youths in Isolation and Seclusion Met by Asia Economy
① I am a 28-year-old isolated youth... "A person who cannot fulfill a full role"
② Isolation caused by employment... A day spent without saying a word
③ Harder than childcare is having 'no one to talk to'... That’s how depression came
④ Eating instant rice and ramen for three years and playing games all day... Emotional instability worsens eventually

<2>2024 Isolation Awareness Survey
① 6 out of 10 say "I feel lonely"... Complaints of relationship breakdown and deprivation
② "Feeling alone at work"... 1 in 2 office workers say "isolation has worsened"

<3>Youths in Isolation and Seclusion Seen from the Side
① 'COVID-19 graduating class' is at risk... Counseling calls surged this year
② Traces left at the end of isolation... "I want to see mom and dad, I'm sorry"

<4>Reasons for Isolation and Social Costs
① No job, no friends... Only a smartphone in hand
② Economic loss exceeds 11 trillion KRW... If neglected, the nation will also 'shake'

<5>Limitations of Korea’s Three No’s Policy
① No control tower and 213 local government ordinances ‘all over the place’
② Solving 540,000 isolated and reclusive youths with 32 people?... Lack of budget, manpower, and research
③ Bitter end of copying Japan... Youths calling for Korean-style policies

<6>How the World is Solving Isolation Issues
① "Why no measures when smartphones ruin youth?"... A British economist’s sharp criticism
② Japan, with many hikikomori... Why focus on office worker isolation
③ [Exclusive] WHO to create a global index to address 'isolation issues'


① Parents broken by guilt... "I am grateful just to be alive"