"My Mouth Won't Open... Consult a Lawyer": The Rapid Spread of "Leave of Absence Proxy" Services in Japan

Japan Sees Rise in Leave of Absence Proxy Services Following Resignation Proxies
"Nearly 40 Cases Handled Per Month... Surged Since This Spring"

In Japan, a so-called "leave of absence proxy" service—which handles the application process for employees who are unable to communicate directly with their company due to severe workplace stress—is spreading. This service is establishing itself as a new option, following on from the earlier popularity of “resignation proxy” services, which complete resignation procedures on behalf of clients.

According to the Sankei Shimbun on July 14, a Japanese law firm reported that requests for leave of absence proxy services have doubled since this spring, and it now handles close to 40 cases per month. The primary work involves notifying employers of the employee’s intention to take a leave of absence and submitting medical certificates, among other necessary procedures. Takahisa Shimizu, a lawyer who has been handling leave of absence proxy work for about 10 years, said, “Many clients find it difficult even to show up at work, so negotiating directly with the company can further damage their mental health.”

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The range of users is also diversifying. Not only people in their twenties who wish to change jobs but feel burdened by the resignation process, but also mid-level managers in their forties and fifties juggling heavy workloads and family caregiving duties are increasingly turning to such services. In particular, there has been a noticeable uptick in use by public servants, including teachers. Public officials are provided with relatively strong institutional support, such as up to 90 days of medical leave, and are often able to transfer roles upon returning to work. For these reasons, it is reported that choosing a leave of absence over resignation is more common among them.

However, leave of absence proxy services require more complicated procedures than resignation proxies and thus need careful attention. Resignation can be communicated unilaterally, but a leave of absence is governed by company work regulations rather than explicit legal standards. Proxy agencies are responsible for informing the company of the employee’s intention to take a leave of absence and submitting medical documentation, but they must also negotiate the conditions with the company in accordance with internal regulations, which are often difficult for outsiders to access.

Experts emphasize that, as more companies are refusing requests from private proxy agencies, it is safer to use a certified lawyer when utilizing such services.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.