Fujitsu Honored by the International Headache Society

Global Patient Advocacy Coalition as a World Leader in Migraine Workplace Awareness, Education, and Employee Support Programs

TOKYO, Mar 2, 2022 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu today announced that it was the first company in the world to be honored by the Global Patient Advocacy Coalition of the International Headache Society(1)(IHS-GPAC) as a world leader in migraine workplace awareness, education, and employee support programs.

Figure 1: Accreditation from IHS-GPAC to Fujitsu as "World Leader in Migraine Workplace Awareness, Education, and Employee Support Programs"

Figure 2: Estimated economic loss due to absence from work due to chronic headache disorders and decreased performance

Figure 3: Overview of the FUJITSU Headache Project

Chronic headache disorders, which include migraine, tension, and other chronic headache types, have a significant impact on daily life and work productivity. To address this problem, Fujitsu has developed and implemented training programs for employees globally in the workplace to promote awareness and treatment of headache disorders, as well as prevention programs for employees suffering from such disorders. Fujitsu's efforts were evaluated by the International Headache Society as a model case of corporate measures to support employees living with headache disorders.

As a leader in migraine workplace awareness, education, and employee support programs, Fujitsu will further promote the dissemination of information related to health measures including headache countermeasures not only for employees, but also to their families, customers, and business partners. Fujitsu anticipates that these efforts will encourage greater understanding and continue to provide employees with advanced support for headache disorders and a variety of other related health issues.

Background

In the workplace, chronic headache disorders tend to be trivialized due to a common lack of understanding. As a result, many employees that suffer from these disorders continue to work while enduring painful headaches and other severe symptoms, leading to a decline in productivity and quality of life (QOL).

In June 2018, Fujitsu conducted an in-house survey among Fujitsu employees in cooperation with International Headache Society, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Japan Headache Society. The survey was designed to evaluate the impacts of chronic headache disorders on their work. Of the 2,500 people surveyed, 85% had experienced headache disorders. Of those who experienced headache disorders, 84% had never been treated. In addition, it was found that the economic loss to Fujitsu due to headache disorder-related sick leave and lower performance was approx. 900 USD per year per chronic headache disorder-affected employee. The cost was even higher for those affected by migraine (approx. 2,300 USD). The total cost was approx. 197 million USD per year for all employees, representing approximately 1% of the total annual salary paid to all employees. It was also revealed that health related QOL scores(2) of employees with chronic headache disorders were lower than the national standard for Japan. This demonstrates that headache disorders have a significant impact on daily life and work productivity. To address this issue, Fujitsu launched the "FUJITSU Headache Project" as a headache disorder prevention program that is now globally available to all employees.

Outline of the "FUJITSU Headache Project"

Based on the results of a joint study conducted in 2018 (Fujitsu employee survey on the degree of impact of chronic headache disorders on work), Fujitsu in fiscal year 2019 developed the FUJITSU Headache Project in cooperation with IHS-GPAC and the Japanese Headache Society. Utilizing e-Learning programs to help Fujitsu Group employees in Japan acquire correct knowledge about headache disorders, Fujitsu held video seminars for headache patients, online headache consultations with specialists, and headache exercises. Through these initiatives to help employees with headache disorders, Fujitsu attempts to improve QOL and boost work productivity, and aims to create a workplace where people suffering from headache disorders can work comfortably and with peace of mind.

1. Project period: July 2019 to February 2022
2. Target: Approximately 70,000 Fujitsu Group employees in Japan
3. Content: e-Learning programs and on-demand video seminars, online headache consultations, etc.

Future plans

Based on the results of the various initiatives of the "FUJITSU Headache Project," Fujitsu, the IHS-GPAC, WHO, and the Japanese Headache Society will analyze and verify the impact of the Fujitsu Headache Project on the improved awareness and understanding of headache disorders among all employees, as well as changes in the burden and work productivity of employees with chronic headache disorders.

(1) International Headache Society :
UK-based charity organization founded in 1981 for people committed to helping people with headaches or facial pain. International Headache Society Global Patient Advocacy Coalition (IHS-GPAC) is a coalition of global and regional headache, neurology, and pain societies, leading patient and headache advocacy organizations, regulatory agencies, patient advocates and leading headache specialists from around the world. The coalition was launched in 2019.
(2) Health-related QOL Score :
Quantifies the impact of disease and treatment on the patient's subjective sense of health (mental health, vitality, pain, etc.) and daily work, housework, household work, as well as family, leisure, and social activities.

About Fujitsu

Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company offering a full range of technology products, solutions and services. Approximately 126,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$34 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021. For more information, please see www.fujitsu.com.

Source: Fujitsu Ltd

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