Smart相談室 Presents Joint Research Findings with Hitotsubashi University Innovation Research Center at International Conference 'ASAC 2026'

Smart相談室 Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "the Company") is pursuing joint research with the Innovation Research Center of the Graduate School of Business Administration at Hitotsubashi University regarding the development and implementation of next-generation management and capability development support indicators related to human capital disclosure.

The research results, based on user interviews of the corporate external consultation service "Smart相談室," were presented at the international conference "ASAC 2026," held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, from May 22 to 25, 2026.

Conference Overview Conference Name: ASAC 2026 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Dates: May 22–25, 2026

Research Background With the mandatory disclosure of human capital information for listed companies, attention to "Human Capital Management" is rapidly increasing. However, diversification of values and changes in individual-organization relationships have led individuals to experience "mental unease," which hinders corporate productivity. The Company aims to develop and implement next-generation management and capability development support indicators through this joint research with Hitotsubashi University's Innovation Research Center.

Research Overview Theme: Beyond Boundaries: Dynamic Work-Life Interactions and Mental Health Support in Modern Japan Research Members: Dai Karube (Director, Innovation Research Center, Hitotsubashi University), Yasuo Fujita (CEO, Smart相談室), Daisuke Uchida (Professor, Keio University)

Research Content Addressing the limitations of conventional "work-life balance" policies, this study examined the impact of "work-life interaction" on mental health across various job ranks in Japanese companies. The analysis was based on interviews with 49 users of the external consultation service "Smart相談室" in an environment where they could speak frankly without psychological barriers.

Research Results The study identified "four misconceptions" underlying employee mental health issues: Misconception 1: Mental health issues can be self-diagnosed. Misconception 2: Mental health is a personal, exceptional issue. Misconception 3: Mental health issues are limited to specific generations or careers.