Toyota Worker in Japan Dies After Excessive OT

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Two article links, sent to me by a few readers:

Court: Toyota Employee Was Worked to Death

Widow of Toyota worker questions labor practices

At a first quick read, this seems like a “Japan problem” more so than a “Toyota problem.” But, even if that is the culture in Japan, where people work themselves to death (and the law/regulatory structure allows it to happen), shouldn't Toyota hold itself to a higher standard, given their “respect for people” ideal? Shouldn't we hold Toyota to a higher standard?

To those who have read more or thought more about this, what do you think about the situation? To those who know Japan better, how do you read this situation? I'm curious what you think, click “comments.”

Here's Kevin Meyer's take over at Evolving Excellence.


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Mark Graban
Mark Graban is an internationally-recognized consultant, author, and professional speaker, and podcaster with experience in healthcare, manufacturing, and startups. Mark's latest book is The Mistakes That Make Us: Cultivating a Culture of Learning and Innovation, a recipient of the Shingo Publication Award. He is also the author of Measures of Success: React Less, Lead Better, Improve More, Lean Hospitals and Healthcare Kaizen, and the anthology Practicing Lean, previous Shingo recipients. Mark is also a Senior Advisor to the technology company KaiNexus.

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