A society where we cannot rest even when we are sick, the faces we need to look back at.

The Current State of Industrialization and Technological Development

The pace of industrialization and technological advancement is fast to the point of being breathless. Economic indicators proudly sing the song of our 'growth' with an upward curve, but behind this, there lies an unspoken note. It is the voice of workers who cannot rest, even in pain. This is not simply the weakness of individuals. The silence of those who endure a cold while quietly preparing lunch, who assemble metal parts despite wrist pain, and who do not erase their smiles even when their hearts are troubled, is a cry for dignity lost within the braces of social structure.

Changed Labor Environment

Today's labor environment is clearly different from the past. However, the fact that it has changed does not necessarily mean it has improved. This is especially true for small and medium enterprises, non-regular workers, platform workers, and those in caregiving, cooking, and service occupations, where taking sick leave is seen as a luxury. Although systems are in place, they remain stagnant in the shadows, and while there may be a culture, it is as if it is invisible. In the reality where taking sick leave requires caution and where there is anxiety about falling behind in performance or becoming a target for dismissal, it reveals a perspective that treats humans as machines.

Social Perception of Rest

When did resting become a sin, and saying 'I'm sick' become a weakness? This is a world where those who pretend to be the strongest are often the most easily broken. The caregiver who silently swallows their tears to go to work, the worker who quietly applies pain relief and operates the machines, the call center employee who wipes their tears in the bathroom instead of the counseling room— their labor is the unseen pillar that supports the well-being of our daily lives. It's time to change the question. Instead of asking why we couldn't rest, we should ask why we were made unable to rest.

The structure of society that prevents rest

The answer is clear. The sick leave system is ineffective, those who take sick leave must bear disadvantages, and above all, the culture of exchanging loyalty to work for physical pain still dominates our society. In this structure, workers are placed in a situation where they have no choice but to work even when they are sick. Even when they become unable to work, this inevitably leads to economic hardship, which is why we continue to work while enduring our illnesses.

The necessity of sick leave systems and legislation

To address this issue, first, it is urgent to legislate a practical paid sick leave system. Legal protections must be established to prevent disadvantages for those who take sick leave, and a culture that recognizes sick leave as a rightful entitlement must be fostered. Second, workplace culture and societal perceptions must be transformed. It should be communicated that working healthily is a prerequisite for performance and that taking time off when unwell actually enhances organizational sustainability.

Health Rights and Social Change

Thirdly, there is a need for a systematization of sick leave and treatment through the linkage of medical institutions and welfare organizations. It should not just be about taking time off, but rather through an integrated program of recovery and return to work, allowing workers to regain the rhythm of their bodies. We must now make a choice. Will we take the working society while sick for granted or will we reclaim the undeniable truth that one should rest when they are ill? The right to health is a human right. The prosperity that is maintained only by forcing workers to work without rest when they are sick is ultimately just a sandcastle built on a fragile foundation.

Suggestions for a warmer society

We do not want to create a stronger country, but we must create a warmer society. A day where every worker can protect their health and work with a smile. The future created by those days. That is real growth, and the maturity of our society must be placed on that path. It is time for us to build a society where, instead of enduring pain, we can lean on each other when we are in pain.