Karoshi: The hidden epidemic of death caused by extreme workplace stress and overwork
In short: Karoshi, or death by overwork, is a global phenomenon that claims hundreds of thousands of lives annually. From Japan to India, extreme hours and relentless pressure are driving workers to fatal heart attacks, strokes, and suicide. It is a modern crisis that challenges our fundamental understanding of productivity and human health.
The term karoshi originated in Japan, where the first case was documented in 1969 involving a 29-year-old shipping worker. The epidemic gained momentum in the post-war era as Japan rose to economic prominence, often requiring employees to work 12 or more hours a day, six or seven days a week. By 1988, surveys indicated nearly one-fourth of male employees worked over 60 hours weekly. This culture of exhaustion led to the establishment of karoshi hotlines to support families of the deceased, as many victims were unable to recognize the physical toll of their labor until it was too late.
While Japan remains the most famous example, the problem is truly international. In 2016, WHO and ILO data attributed 745,194 deaths worldwide to long working hours. Other nations have developed their own terms for the phenomenon, such as guolaosi in China and gwarosa in South Korea. Even in Sweden, which maintains robust labor regulations, studies suggest that hundreds of wage laborers die annually due to work-related stress. The causes are multifaceted, ranging from the physical strain of all-night shifts to the psychological burden of meeting impossible sales targets or navigating toxic corporate hierarchies.
Recent years have seen a shift in public discourse. In India, the 2024 death of a 26-year-old accountant sparked national outrage over toxic work cultures, contrasting sharply with calls from some executives for 70-hour workweeks to boost productivity. Governments have attempted various interventions, such as South Korea’s 2018 law reducing the workweek to 52 hours and Japan’s 'Premium Friday' initiative. Despite these efforts, the pressure to perform—often fueled by the need to maintain professional networks or protect livelihoods—remains a persistent driver of this global health crisis.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Karoshi
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