|
The case of a 30 year old male. After graduating from university, he worked for several years at merchandise sales in a certain shop in a team with several part time workers. Although working diligently, his scheduling was insensitive, and he tended to lose part time workers' trust. His company had a prearranged transfer of regular staff employees among several stores,but part time workers remain at one facility because they work near their residence and are considered longer term employees of that facility than the manager. For new staff employees, each day is thus slightly more difficult than usual. Whenever he worked, complaints came from part time workers. Because he was meticulous, every time he submitted operations improvement measures, he was unable to implement them as planned. This further increased his job anxiety. As a result, he was transferred so that he would be able make individual achievements. His next assignment at work was at making contracts and advertising merchandise, so he was able to make the most of that position due to his diligent character. He took charge and raised good results with his effort. After half a year, he was transferred again and was absent from work without notice. He came to my clinic after one week. Business managers and his supervisor visited his home, and another manager recommended a health examination. The reason that he, after his relatively good performance, skipped work was the following: This new place of business was located one hour and half by car from his home and, skipping breakfast, required him to leave home at about six o'clock. Finishing his field work, he returned to the office past nine o'clock, worked for about one more hour, and began his one hour commute homeward. Too tired even to enjoy a dinner, he slept and started a new day. Company policy then changed. Without regard to individuals' pace, it became a group system in which each group had a goal. There were four groups in the place of business, and each had its own chief. Then, he was appointed to a promotion committee. All others in this group in this place of business were younger. Thereupon, against his mind, the day came that he encouraged younger members to work even harder. Long commuter time, long work time,poor nutrition, in addition to the deterioration from normal stress, were connected with further sudden absences from work. He was diagnosed with autonomic ataxia, and was told to stop work for about 2 months to rest, improve nutrition, and be frank in his dealings with his manager. He desired to return to work because he felt that his manager was sympathetic. We made the recommendation that he rent an apartment near distant places of business, and that lunch should be prepared at the business site. From January, he parted from the group and started shortened shifts of four hours (10 to 3) while temporarily commuting from home and searching for an apartment. Because the Japanese economic environment is severe, he hesitated at frank communication with his supervisor, but he seems to have gotten fair treatment and ended the dangerous extension of his health. I saw him recently at the outpatient clinic, appearing somewhat stronger, and I wished him luck on this new path. |