Developed with IHS-GPAC, the successful Fujitsu migraine education program is a prime example of how impactful migraine education programs can be in the workplace.
Migraine is the third most common disease and affects more than 1 billion people globally. Migraine’s impact on individuals and society at large remains relatively overlooked. While there is no cure for migraine, there are ways to reduce its impact in the workplace. IHS-GPAC is working toward a future where migraine in workplaces is recognized and managed. With the help of IHS-GPAC, companies like Fujitsu are making this difference.
IHS-GPAC recognizes Fujitsu Limited as a world leader in migraine workplace awareness, education and support. The Tokyo-based information and communication technology company was recently granted an award for its highly successful migraine workplace education program, called “FUJITSU Headache Project.” The program was developed with IHS-GPAC. The award is the first of its kind offered by IHS-GPAC.
Through a web-based learning program, 73,000 Fujitsu employees—about 91% of its Japan workforce—have learned about the severity of migraine and headache disorders since 2019. The program has increased the understanding and impact that neurological diseases have in the workplace.
To date, the program has shown the following results:
- 71% of employees now understand that headache is a disease that greatly interferes with one’s daily life—up from about 20% before completing the program.
- 76% of employees said that “the way they treat colleagues with headaches is likely to change” after completing the program.
- 90% of employees said the program was beneficial.
The IHS-GPAC-led efforts at Fujitsu demonstrated a model that can be repeated by companies around the world to reduce the burden of migraine. “Nothing less than a unified effort will drive impact on a global scale,” said Dr. Dodick, chair, IHS-GPAC.
The most important results from the “FUJITSU Headache Project” were also shared at the ceremony. Fujitsu found that migraine and headache disorders cost them 2.6 billion yen in lost productivity. In total, that accounts for 1.1% of their annual payroll. Fujitsu CEO and CDXO, Takahito Tokita, accepted the award on behalf of the company while taking time to share more data that was discovered through the program.
“I am very honored to be recognized as a leader of a headache program,” said Tokita. “We did receive a lot of support and advice from the International Headache Society and I would like to thank the members of the International Headache Society and also the Japanese Headache Society for their support.”
He also said he is committed to continuing to work on Fujitsu’s headache program to improve the lives of his employees.
The “FUJITSU Headache Project” showed just how impactful workplace migraine education programs can be and demonstrated that education is key to breaking the cycle. IHS-GPAC’s Migraine Fitness at Work program is a customizable video-based education program that offers support to those living with migraine, while breaking down barriers for treatment, access to care, education and resources.
Designed by world-renowned migraine experts and patient advocates, the program aims to make workplaces around the globe more accommodating for those impacted by migraine. Learn more about IHS-GPAC’s Migraine Fitness at Work program and sign up for a demo here.
