What is SPQ
The Single-Item Presenteeism Question (hereinafter “SPQ”) is a scale that measures presenteeism* with a single question. It was developed by “The University of Tokyo Working Group,” a Fiscal 2015 Project to Promote the Creation of Industries to Extend Healthy Life Expectancy.
The scale used to measure presenteeism includes questions that were recently added to the FY2021 Health and Productivity Management (H&PM) Survey conducted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, with the SPQ being cited as one of the options.
We hope that corporate managers and personnel in charge of H&PM, as well as those who support these initiatives, such as insurers, municipal health experts, and H&PM advisors at commerce and industry associations, and private corporations, will use the SPQ and implement an effective PDCA cycle for H&PM in the future.
*Presenteeism: A condition in which individuals still go to work despite being ill or experiencing symptoms of illness, with negative impact on business execution and productivity.
The following are major contributors to presenteeism: stress and other negative mental states; unidentified or indefinite complaints like stiff shoulders, lower back pain, and eye strain; and harmful lifestyle habits like smoking and lack of sleep.
Reference:
A survey report on the support for the implementation of the Fiscal 2015 Project to Promote the Creation of Industries to Extend Healthy Life Expectancy (such as healthcare business creation support, etc.) (in Japanese only).