Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Otsuka) will launch its corporate health support program, "fitbiz" on September 24, 2024. This program addresses the challenges companies and organizations face in promoting employees healthy habits. By offering a learning program that encourages employees to actively review and improve their lifestyle, Otsuka aims to support a healthy work environment, both physically and mentally. The program's first phase will introduce the Lifestyle Habits Learning Support Program, with plans to expand offerings to address various health-related challenges.

Corporate Health Support Program "fitbiz"　https://www.fitbiz.jp/　(in Japanese)

Japan is facing challenges such as labor shortages and medical costs increasing due to a declining birthrate and aging population. Companies are responding by enhancing productivity, maintaining employee health, and creating environments that support long-term working environment, thereby driving the push for health management initiatives.

Otsuka has already introduced services such as "Kenko Shacho" (Healthy President). Otsuka's Japanese free-of-charge community site for small and medium-sized business owners, and "Kenkokeiei Tsunagaru Support ONLINE," which helps companies obtain health management certification. To further enhance support for corporate health initiatives and employee wellness, we are now launching the new program, fitbiz.

This program is a corporate health support initiative jointly developed by Otsuka and Scala Communications, Inc. It offers features such as support for building healthy habits among employees and visualizing the results of health initiatives. It is a learning program that enables each participating employee to recognize their health challenges, review their lifestyle habits, and work toward improving their health. By encouraging behavior change and improving health literacy, the program aims to support employees in maintaining mental and physical well being at work.

The first phase of fitbiz is a 12-week paid course designed to deepen participants' understanding of healthier lifestyle habits through learning content. It encourages participants to reflect on their lifestyle choices and improve their habits, incorporating Otsuka products as part of the process. Participants will receive weekly reports that track their progress in diet and exercise, along with feedback to support during their journey.

At the end of the program, two types of reports will be issued: one for individuals, summarizing their progress, and another for company or organization representatives to help foster continued health improvements after the program.

• Features of fitbiz

（１） Implemented at the company/organization level

The program is scheduled and implemented at organizational level.

（２） Motivating behavior change

Pre-program condition and key points for improving health will be provided to each employee as a report. This serves as an encouraging changes in daily habits^*1.

（３）Acquiring healthy lifestyle habits

The program helps participants practically review and improve their daily habits using learning content and other resources.

（４）Visualizing employees' health challenges

At the end of the program, a report summarizing employees' health status based on survey results will be issued. Reports will be provided both for individuals^*1 and for companies/organizations.

（５）Providing individual feedback

Participants will follow the same program, but individual feedback will be provided, which address each person's challenges and provide countermeasures.

（６）Monitoring employee productivity

The program aims to improve daily employee productivity by reviewing lifestyle habits. After the program, employee productivity will be made measurable.

（７）Supporting applications for Certified Health & Productivity Management Organization^*2

The final reports and identified challenges from the program can be used when applying for the Certified Health & Productivity Management Organization certification.

1. ※1

   Individuals will receive a personal health report based on the theme of each program. Company representatives will not have access to individual health information.

2. ※2The Certified Health & Productivity Management Organization certification system is an award system recognized by the Japan Health Council. It aims to publicly highlight corporations, including large and small-to-medium-sized enterprises, that excel in practicing health management. This system creates an environment where these corporations can receive social recognition from employees, job seekers, partner companies, financial institutions, and others.

• Otsuka Pharmaceutical's Health Management Support Services

We currently operate three health management support services. Combining these services can further promote health management within your organization.

・fitbiz　　https://www.fitbiz.jp/　(in Japanese)

A paid service that supports the review of lifestyle habits and the implementation of healthy habits through a practical, experience-based program, which includes learning and visualizing health challenges.

・Kenkokeiei Tsunagaru Support ONLINE　https://otsuka.kenko-shacho.com/ (in Japanese)

A paid service that provides support for obtaining certification as a Health & Productivity Management Outstanding Organization and corporate branding support.

・Kenko Shacho (Healthy President)　https://www.kenko-shacho.com/ (in Japanese)

A free service offering content related to health management (articles, seminars, events, etc.).

Based on the corporate philosophy of 'Otsuka-people creating new products for better health worldwide,' Otsuka Pharmaceutical continues to contribute to the health and well being of people around the world.