When a psychiatrist works as an occupational physician, effective cooperation can be achieved between the occupational physician and the psychiatrist in charge, as well as with the supervisors to support an employee returning to work after a mental health leave. With their abundant expertise as a psychiatrist, the occupational physician can offer information on the work environment, which can be of help to the psychiatrist in charge of treating the employee. Such communication is also beneficial for preventing disease recurrence.
 Furthermore, they can act as an intermediary between the returner and co-workers. They have the advantage of being able to promote mutual understanding, thereby helping the returner adapt to the work environment after reinstatement. In supporting a returner, consideration is required in order for the support for the individual to lead to support for the entire workplace. Education on group dynamics and active listening will aid in improving human relations in the workplace, thereby creating a healthy work environment. As one of their roles, support in clarifying the division and rotation of duties is also necessary, which will help create a fair performance evaluation system.
 The principles for supporting a returner include ensuring that they are qualified for their role. However, appropriate evaluation of the returner based on the existing criteria without making allowances is important. To support continued employment, shortening of work hours and reducing workdays are also important. The neutral position of an occupational physician who remains impartial between the employer and the employees is different from the position of the psychiatrist in charge. Therefore, it is not desirable for one doctor to simultaneously work as an occupational physician and a psychiatrist in change of employees with mental diseases.
 On the other hand, an occupational physician having a different role from that of the psychiatrist in charge is likely to further mental health management in the workplace, the demand for which is growing in society. This experience will also help improve their skills as a psychiatrist.
 Author's abstract