Management method, control program, and mental management server

Abstract

To provide a management method, a control program and a metal management server, which can manage a user's mental condition more properly.SOLUTION: A management method is a method for managing a user's mental condition in a mental management system. A plurality of users are involved in the mental management system. The management method includes the steps of: acquiring mental information on a first user in the plurality of users; selecting, as a second user different from the first user, a user whose mental condition satisfies a prescribed condition from the plurality of users; and notifying the second user of first information on the first user on the basis of the mental information on the first user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a management method, a control program, and a mental management server.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-72964 (Patent Document 1) discloses a health management system. In this health management system, a user inputs a mental value indicating his / her mental health state. When it is determined that the input mental value satisfies an attention condition, attention information including information of the user who is determined to satisfy the attention condition is notified to a supervisor (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above Patent Document 1, information of a user who is determined to satisfy an attention condition is notified to the supervisor of the user. However, for example, when the mental state of the supervisor is not good, even if information is notified to the supervisor, it is highly likely that appropriate actions will not be taken by the supervisor. As a result, the mental state of the user is not properly managed.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a management method, a control program, and a mental management server capable of more appropriately managing the mental state of a user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A management method according to an aspect of the present invention is a method for managing a user's mental state in a mental management system. A plurality of users are involved in the mental management system. This management method includes a step of obtaining mental information of a first user among the plurality of users, a step of selecting, as a second user different from the first user, a user whose mental state satisfies a predetermined condition among the plurality of users, and a step of notifying the second user of first information regarding the first user based on the mental information of the first user.

[0007] In this management method, the first information regarding the first user is notified to a second user different from the first user. The mental state of the second user satisfies a predetermined condition. Therefore, according to this management method, since support from the second user who has spare capacity to pay attention to the first user can be expected for the first user, the mental state of the first user can be managed more appropriately.

[0008] Preferably, the above management method further includes a step of notifying the first user of second information including advice for the first user based on the mental information of the first user, and the notification of the first information to the second user may be performed when the mental state of the first user does not improve after the notification of the second information.

[0009] In this management method, first the second information is notified to the first user. Therefore, according to this management method, since the first information is not notified to the second user more than necessary, it is possible to avoid the burden on the second user becoming larger than necessary.

[0010] Preferably, in the above management method, the second information includes first advice for changing the mental state of the first user and second advice for prompting an environmental change in the workplace of the first user. The first advice is notified to the first user based on the mental information of the first user, and the second advice may be notified to the first user based on the mental states of the members of the group to which the first user belongs in the workplace.

[0011] In this management method, the second advice that prompts the environmental change of the workplace of the first user is notified to the first user based on the mental state of the members of the group to which the first user belongs in the workplace. Therefore, according to this management method, since it is expected that the first user will take actions that affect the entire group, the mental state of the entire group can be managed more appropriately. Preferably, in the above management method, the advice included in the second information may be changed based on the first busyness information regarding the busyness of the first user.

[0012] According to this management method, since the advice included in the second information is changed based on the busyness of the first user, it is possible to prevent the content of the advice from becoming an excessive burden on the first user.

[0013] Preferably, in the above management method, the first busyness information may be corrected based on the second busyness information regarding the busyness of the group to which the first user belongs in the workplace of the first user.

[0014] According to this management method, since the first busyness information is corrected based on the busyness of the group, it is possible to provide the first user with advice that takes into account the busyness of the entire group.

[0015] Preferably, in the above management method, at least some of the plurality of users belong to the same organization as the first user, each of the users belonging to the organization is either office work or telecommuting, and when the first user is office work, the users who are office work may be preferentially selected as the second user.

[0016] When the first user is on office duty, if the user on office duty is selected as the second user, the communication between the first user and the second user will be closer than when the user working from home is selected as the second user. In this management method, when the first user is on office duty, the user on office duty is preferentially selected as the second user. Therefore, according to this management method, when the first user is on office duty, the communication between the first user and the second user will be closer, so the mental state of the first user can be managed more appropriately. Preferably, in the above management method, the second user may be selected based on the amity information between users.

[0017] In this management method, the second user is selected based on the amity information between users. That is, the second user is selected after considering the amity relationship with the first user. Therefore, according to this management method, since the communication between the first user and the second user is likely to be carried out smoothly, the mental state of the first user can be managed more appropriately. Preferably, in the above management method, the second user may be selected based on the compatibility information between users.

[0018] In this management method, the second user is selected based on the compatibility information between users. That is, the second user is selected after considering the potential compatibility with the first user. Therefore, according to this management method, since the communication between the first user and the second user is likely to be carried out smoothly, the mental state of the first user can be managed more appropriately.

[0019] Preferably, the above management method further includes the step of obtaining feedback information about the second user after notifying the second user of the first information, and the second user may be selected based on the feedback information obtained in the past. According to this management method, since past feedback information is considered when selecting the second user, a more appropriate user can be selected as the second user.

[0020] Preferably, in the above management method, each of the plurality of users belongs to a first user group in which mental information is acquired by the mental management system, or a second user group in which mental information is not acquired by the mental management system. When there is no user who can be selected as the second user in the first user group, a user belonging to the second user group may be selected as the second user.

[0021] Depending on the mental state of the first user, a situation may occur where none of the users (first user group) existing in the same environment as the first user is suitable as the second user. According to this management method, when such a situation occurs, a user belonging to the second user group is selected as the second user, so that even if such a situation occurs, the mental state of the first user can be managed more appropriately.

[0022] Also, a control program according to another aspect of the present invention causes a computer to manage the mental state of a user of a mental management system. A plurality of users are involved in the mental management system. This control program causes the computer to execute steps of acquiring mental information of a first user among a plurality of users, selecting a user whose mental state satisfies a predetermined condition among the plurality of users as a second user different from the first user, and notifying the second user of first information regarding the first user based on the mental information of the first user.

[0023] When this control program is executed by a computer, first information regarding the first user is notified to a second user different from the first user. The mental state of the second user satisfies a predetermined condition. Therefore, according to this control program, since support for the first user by the second user who has room to pay attention to the first user can be expected, the mental state of the first user can be managed more appropriately.

[0024] Also, a mental management server according to another aspect of the present invention is configured to manage a user's mental state. A plurality of users are related to this mental management server. This mental management server includes an acquisition unit, a selection unit, and a notification unit. The acquisition unit is configured to acquire mental information of a first user among the plurality of users. The selection unit is configured to select, as a second user different from the first user, a user whose mental state satisfies a predetermined condition among the plurality of users. The notification unit is configured to notify the second user of first information regarding the first user based on the mental information of the first user.

[0025] In this mental management server, the first information regarding the first user is notified to a second user different from the first user. The mental state of the second user satisfies a predetermined condition. Therefore, according to this mental management server, since it is possible to expect support for the first user by the second user who has room to pay attention to the first user, the mental state of the first user can be managed more appropriately.

Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a management method, a control program, and a mental management server capable of more appropriately managing a user's mental state.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0029] [1. Overview of Mental Management System] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a mental management system 10 according to the present embodiment. The mental management system 10 is used, for example, in a company (enterprise) CM1 which is an example of an organization, to suppress the deterioration of the mental state of employees.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the mental management system 10 includes a server 100 and a plurality of terminals 200. The terminal 200 is composed of, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet, or a smartphone. Each of the plurality of terminals 200 is used by a user of the mental management system 10.

[0031] The users include, for example, employees who are the subjects of mental management, the families F1 of the employees, the staff of the mental management room M1, and counselors (for example, licensed psychologists, clinical psychologists, industrial physicians, psychological counselors, EAP (Employee Assistance Program) counselors) CS1. That is, a plurality of users are involved in the mental management system 10. Note that the mental management room M1 may be provided within the company CM1, and the counselor CS1 may belong to the company CM1.

[0032] The company CM1 has, for example, a plurality of workplaces (offices) O1. A plurality of groups G1 are formed in each workplace O1. Each employee belongs to one of the groups G1 in one of the workplaces O1. The group G1 may be, for example, a "department" or "section" in the company organization, a floor of the office, or an area on the floor of the office. Each employee may work at the workplace O1 (office work) or may work at the user's home (home work) H1.

[0033] In the mental management system 10, the first user (employee) transmits information about himself / herself to the server 100 via the terminal 200. In one example, it is the employee who transmits information about himself / herself, and external users (for example, the staff in the mental management room M1, the counselor CS1, and the family member F1) do not transmit information about themselves to the server 100. In the server 100, the mental state of the first user is analyzed based on the information about the first user. According to the analysis result of the mental state, the content of the advice for the first user and the content of the support for the first user are determined.

[0034] As an example of the advice, promoting mindfulness meditation, promoting improvement of the workplace environment (ventilation, air conditioning, etc.), promoting consultation with compatible employees, etc. can be mentioned. Also, as an example of the support, prompting the second user (another employee or an external user) to approach the first user (the employee who needs to improve the mental state) can be mentioned. When prompting the second user to approach the first user, the information about the first user is notified to the second user.

[0035] The server 100 transmits, for example, information indicating advice for the first user to the terminal 200 of the first user. The terminal 200 displays the received advice. By taking actions according to the advice displayed on the terminal 200, a good influence is exerted on the mental state of the employee.

[0036] In particular, the server 100 notifies information about the first user to a second user different from the first user based on the mental state of the first user. In this case, as the second user, a user whose mental state satisfies a predetermined condition is selected. An example of the predetermined condition is that the stress value is lower than the threshold value. Therefore, according to the mental management system 10 according to the present embodiment, since support for the first user by the second user who has spare capacity to pay attention to the first user can be expected, the mental state of the first user can be managed more appropriately. Hereinafter, the mental management system 10 will be described in more detail.

[0037] [2. Configuration] <2-1. Hardware Configuration of Server> FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the hardware configuration of the server 100. In the present embodiment, the server 100 is realized by, for example, a general-purpose computer.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, the server 100 includes a control unit 110, a communication I / F (interface) 140, and a storage unit 120. Each component is electrically connected via a bus.

[0039] The control unit 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 112, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 113, etc., and is configured to control each component according to information processing.

[0040] The communication I / F 140 is configured to communicate with each terminal 200 (FIG. 1) through the Internet. The communication I / F 140 is composed of, for example, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) module or a wireless LAN module.

[0041] The storage unit 120 is, for example, an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk drive or a solid state drive. The storage unit 120 stores, for example, a control program 121. By executing the control program 121 by the CPU 111, various functions in the server 100 are realized.

[0042] The memory unit 120 further stores a registration information TB (table) 122, an affiliation awareness TB 123, a friendship relationship TB 124, a user stress transition TB 125, a group stress TB 126, a support request TB 127, feedback information TB 128, busyness information TB 129, and group busyness information TB 130. Each of these TBs manages information input by each user via the terminal 200 or information generated based on the information input by each user via the terminal 200. Hereinafter, each TB will be described.

[0043] FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the registration information TB 122. As shown in FIG. 3A, the registration information TB 122 manages the basic information of each user registered by each user (employee). In this example, for each employee, the department to which they belong, their position, their place of work, family information (presence or absence of a spouse, presence or absence of children, state of family relationship), thinking tendency and personality tendency (Big Five personality traits, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, career anchor, NEO-FFI, NEO-PI-R, etc.), career orientation, and hobby orientation information are managed.

[0044] FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of the affiliation awareness TB 123. As shown in FIG. 3B, the affiliation awareness TB 123 manages the response information of each employee to questions regarding the affiliation awareness, work engagement, and psychological safety directed at each user (employee). Examples of the questions include "Can you freely voice your thoughts at work?", "Do you feel that your affiliated group is your place to belong?", "How many people can you talk to freely within the group?", and "Are you likely to seek support from the members within the group?". In the example shown in FIG. 3B, for example, it can be seen that for the question "Do you feel that your affiliated group is your place to belong?", employee A answered 6 points (out of 10), and employee B answered 2 points (out of 10). Note that the higher the score, the more the user feels that the affiliated group is their place to belong.

[0045] Figure 3C is a diagram showing an example of the camaraderie relationship TB124. As shown in Figure 3C, the camaraderie relationship TB124 manages numerical information regarding the camaraderie relationship among employees (on a 100-point scale). Information regarding the camaraderie relationship may be generated based on information input by each user (employee) themselves, or may be independently generated by the server 100 by analyzing the actions of each user. In the example shown in Figure 3C, for example, when viewed from employee A, the camaraderie relationship with employee B is 10 points, the camaraderie relationship with employee C is 10 points, and the camaraderie relationship with employee D is 45 points. Note that a higher score indicates a better camaraderie relationship.

[0046] Figure 3D is a diagram showing an example of the user stress transition TB125. As shown in Figure 3D, the user stress transition TB125 manages the stress values of each user (employee). The stress value of each user is calculated from the answers of each user to questions regarding mental state, including stress checks, mood questions, mental health questions, etc. Also, the stress value may be calculated, for example, from the analysis results of biometric information (heart rate, breathing frequency, etc.) acquired by a sensor, or from the analysis results of body feature data including facial expressions obtained by camera image recognition. In the example shown in Figure 3D, for example, it can be seen that the stress value of employee A transitions as 20 (March 10th), 20 (March 15th), 25 (March 18th). Note that a higher stress value indicates that the user is feeling stronger stress.

[0047] Figure 3E is a diagram showing an example of the group stress TB126. As shown in Figure 3E, the group stress TB126 manages the stress value of group G1. The stress value of group G1 is, for example, the average value of the stress values of each user belonging to the same group G1. As described above, the stress value of each user is calculated, for example, from the answers of each user to questions regarding mental state.

[0048] Figure 3F is a diagram showing an example of the support request TB127. As shown in Figure 3F, the support request TB127 manages information regarding the consultation partner desired by each user (employee). The information regarding the consultation partner desired by each user is generated based on the answers of each user to questions regarding the desired consultation partner.

[0049] Figure 3G is a diagram showing an example of the feedback information TB128. Although details will be described later, in the mental management system 10, after support is provided to an employee (first user) who needs improvement in mental state, feedback is given regarding the employee etc. (second user) who provided the support. Specifically, each of the employee (first user) who received the support and the employee (second user) who provided the support transmits feedback information to the server 100 via the terminal 200.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3G, the feedback information TB128 manages the feedback information. In the example shown in Figure 3G, for example, when the employee who received the support is Employee A and the employee who provided the support is Employee B, it can be seen that the evaluation by Employee A is 5 points (out of 7 points) and the evaluation by Employee B is 2 points (out of 7 points). Note that the higher the score, the higher the satisfaction regarding the support. In this example, it can be seen that the satisfaction of Employee A who received the support is high, but the satisfaction of Employee B who provided the support is low.

[0051] Figure 3H is a diagram showing an example of the busyness information TB129. The busyness information TB129 manages information regarding the busyness of each user (employee) and information regarding the desired time zone for receiving advice etc. Each of the information regarding busyness and the desired time zone is generated based on, for example, the answers of each user to questions regarding these. In the example shown in Figure 3H, it can be seen that the busyness of Employee A is 2 points (out of 5 points) and the desire of Employee A regarding the time zone for receiving advice etc. is "afternoon". Note that the higher the score regarding busyness, the busier the employee.

[0052] FIG. 3I is a diagram showing an example of group busyness information TB130. The group busyness information TB130 manages information regarding the busyness of group G1 and information regarding the wishes of group G1 in time zones for receiving advice and the like. The information regarding the busyness of group G1 is generated, for example, based on the average value of the busyness of each user belonging to group G1. Also, the information regarding the wishes of group G1 in time zones for receiving advice and the like is generated, for example, based on the time zone desired by the largest number of users among the users belonging to group G1.

[0053] <2-2. Hardware Configuration of User Terminal> FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing the hardware configuration of terminal 200. As described above, terminal 200 is realized by, for example, a PC, a tablet, or a smartphone.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 4, terminal 200 includes a control unit 210, a communication I / F 240, a display unit 250, a reception unit 260, and a storage unit 220. In terminal 200, each component is electrically connected via a bus.

[0055] The control unit 210 includes a CPU 211, a RAM 212, a ROM 213, etc., and is configured to control each component according to information processing. The communication I / F 240 is configured to communicate with, for example, server 100 via a network. The communication I / F 240 is composed of, for example, a wired LAN module or a wireless LAN module.

[0056] The display unit 250 is configured to display images. The display unit 250 is composed of, for example, a monitor such as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor.

[0057] The reception unit 260 is configured to receive input from the user. The reception unit 260 is composed of, for example, part or all of a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, and a microphone. The user's answer to the question sent from the server 100 is made, for example, via the reception unit 260.

[0058] The storage unit 220 is an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk drive or a solid state drive, for example. The storage unit 220 is configured to store, for example, the control program 221. By executing the control program 221 by the CPU 211, various functions in the terminal 200 are realized.

[0059] <2-3. Software Configuration of Server> FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the software configuration of the server 100. As shown in FIG. 5, by executing the control program 121 by the control unit 110, at least an acquisition unit 161, a selection unit 162, an information generation unit 163, and a notification unit 164 are realized in the server 100.

[0060] The acquisition unit 161 acquires information from the terminal 200. As described above, the user answers various questions regarding the mental state via the terminal 200. The answer result is transmitted from the terminal 200 to the server 100. The acquisition unit 161 acquires, for example, the information transmitted from the terminal 200. The acquisition unit 161 acquires, for example, information regarding the user's department, position, workplace, family, thinking tendency, career orientation, and hobby orientation. Also, the acquisition unit 161 acquires, for example, the answer information to the question regarding the sense of belonging to the company. That is, the acquisition unit 161 acquires the user's answer information to various questions regarding the mental state. The various information acquired by the acquisition unit 161 is stored by the storage unit 120. More specifically, the various information acquired by the acquisition unit 161 is stored in an appropriate TB stored in the storage unit 120.

[0061] The selection unit 162 reads out information necessary for analyzing the user's mental state from each TB stored in the storage unit 120. The selection unit 162 analyzes the user's mental state based on the read information and selects a notification destination such as advice. For example, when it is determined that the advice to be conveyed to the first user himself / herself is effective, the selection unit 162 selects the first user as the notification destination of the advice. Also, when it is determined that it is effective to request support from a user other than the first user for the first user, the selection unit 162 selects a user other than the first user as the support request destination (second user). The selection unit 162 selects, for example, a user among the users of the mental management system 10 whose stress value is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value as the second user.

[0062] The information generation unit 163 reads out necessary information from various TBs stored in the storage unit 120, for example. The information generation unit 163 generates information indicating advice content and the like based on the read information. For example, the advice content is changed according to the user's busyness (for example, it is changed from advice that takes a long time to advice that ends in a short time). A database (not shown) that manages basic information such as advice content is stored in the storage unit 120 in advance, and the information generation unit 163 refers to the database to generate information indicating advice and the like based on the mental state and the like of the first user.

[0063] The notification unit 164 notifies the user (second user) of the notification destination selected by the selection unit 162 of information regarding the first user. The information regarding the first user includes, for example, information regarding the name of the first user, information regarding the mental state of the first user, information regarding advice suitable for the first user, information prompting the start of communication from the second user to the first user, and the like. Hereinafter, the operations of the server 100 and the terminal 200 will be described in detail.

[0064] [3. Operations] FIG. 6A is a flowchart showing the operation of registering basic information of a user. The processes shown in the left flowchart in FIG. 6A are executed by the control unit 110 of the server 100, and the processes shown in the right flowchart in FIG. 6A are executed by the control unit 210 of the terminal 200.

[0065] Referring to the left flowchart in FIG. 6A, the control unit 110 determines whether it has received basic information (registration information) about the first user from the terminal 200 (step S100). The basic information is the information managed in the registration information TB122 (FIG. 3A). If it is determined that the basic information has not been received from the terminal 200 (NO in step S100), the control unit 110 waits until the basic information is received. Note that at this stage, in addition to the basic information, information used for updating the support request TB127 may be transmitted from the terminal 200.

[0066] If it is determined that the basic information has been received from the terminal 200 (YES in step S100), the control unit 110 updates various TBs based on the received basic information (step S105). For example, when at least any one of the information regarding the user's department, position, work location, family, thinking tendency, career orientation, and hobby orientation is received, the control unit 110 updates the registration information TB122.

[0067] Referring to the right flowchart in FIG. 6A, the control unit 210 controls the display unit 250 to display an input screen for basic information about the first user (step S150). The control unit 210 determines whether the input of basic information (registration information) via the reception unit 260 has been completed (step S155). If it is determined that the input has not been completed (NO in step S155), the control unit 210 waits until the input is completed.

[0068] On the other hand, when it is determined that the input is completed (YES in step S155), the control unit 210 transmits the input basic information to the server 100 (step S160). In this way, based on the information input by the user, the basic information of the user is registered in the registration information TB122. In the mental management system 10, based on the registered basic information and the results of regular stress checks, etc., it is determined what kind of advice, etc., to provide to the user.

[0069] FIG. 6B is a flowchart showing an operation of providing advice, etc. to the user in the mental management system 10. The process shown in the left flowchart in FIG. 6B is executed by the control unit 110 of the server 100, and the process shown in the right flowchart in FIG. 6B is executed by the control unit 210 of the terminal 200. These processes are executed, for example, at predetermined intervals. The predetermined interval is, for example, one day, three days, one week, etc.

[0070] Referring to the left flowchart in FIG. 6B, the control unit 110 determines whether it has received an answer regarding the regular stress check from the terminal 200 (step S200). Note that at this timing, on the terminal 200, an answer screen regarding the regular stress check is being displayed. The answer regarding the regular stress check includes information for calculating the stress value of the first user (information used for updating the user stress transition TB125 and the group stress TB126). Further, this answer may include information used for updating at least any one of the sense of belonging TB123, the friendly relationship TB124, the support request TB127, and the busyness information TB129.

[0071] When it is determined that the response has not been received from the terminal 200 (NO in step S200), the control unit 110 waits until the response is received. On the other hand, when it is determined that the response has been received from the terminal 200 (YES in step S200), the control unit 110 calculates the stress value of the first user based on the received response (step S205). The stress value of the first user is a part of the mental information indicating the mental state of the first user.

[0072] Thereafter, the control unit 110 updates various TBs based on the information acquired in step S200 or the stress value calculated in step S205 (step S210). In step S210, at least the user stress transition TB125 and the group stress TB126 are updated.

[0073] The control unit 110 determines whether the stress value of the first user satisfies a predetermined condition (step S215). An example of the predetermined condition is that over a predetermined period, the stress value is higher than a threshold value and the amount of decrease in the stress value is lower than the threshold value (the stress value has not improved by a predetermined amount or more). The threshold value for determining whether the stress value satisfies the predetermined condition may be changed for each user. For example, referring to the registration information TB122 and using the user information such as the basic information of the first user, the threshold value for determining whether the stress value satisfies the predetermined condition is changed for each user. Preferably, among the user information, the personality tendency and the thinking tendency are used. When it is determined that the user has a high stress tolerance from the personality tendency and the thinking tendency, the threshold value of the stress value may be increased. In this way, the mental state of the user can be managed at a timing suitable for the user. Also, by considering whether the amount of decrease in the stress value is lower than the threshold value, when advice or the like has already been provided to the user (for example, when several days have passed since starting to receive the service of the mental management system 10), it is also possible to consider whether that advice or the like has been effective for that user. Whether the predetermined condition in this example is satisfied is determined, for example, by referring to the user stress transition TB125.

[0074] When it is determined that the predetermined conditions are not satisfied (NO in step S215), the control unit 110 generates personal advice based on the basic information of the first user, etc., and controls the communication I / F 140 to transmit the generated personal advice to the terminal 200 of the first user (step S220). Examples of the content of the personal advice include promoting mindfulness meditation.

[0075] On the other hand, when it is determined that the predetermined conditions are satisfied (YES in step S215), the control unit 110 refers to the group stress TB126 to determine whether the stress average value in the group G1 to which the first user belongs is equal to or greater than the threshold value (step S225).

[0076] When it is determined that the stress average value is equal to or greater than the threshold value (YES in step S225), the control unit 110 generates environmental advice and controls the communication I / F 140 to transmit the generated environmental advice to the terminal 200 of the first user (step S230). The environmental advice is generated based on, for example, the environmental information of the group G1 to which the first user belongs (e.g., air cleanliness, atmospheric pressure, outside air temperature, weather, indoor temperature). The environmental information of the group G1 may be transmitted from the terminal 200 to the server 100, or may be transmitted from a separately provided sensor to the server 100. Further, the environmental advice may be transmitted not only to the terminal 200 of the first user but also to the terminals 200 of all users in the group G1 to which the first user belongs.

[0077] Examples of the environmental advice include those that affect the entire group G1 to which the first user belongs, such as "Open the window of the room" and "Let's chat together." For example, when such advice is notified to the first user, it is expected that the first user will take actions that affect the entire group. As a result, it is expected that the mental state of the entire group will be improved.

[0078] On the other hand, in step S225, when it is determined that the average stress value is less than the threshold value (NO in step S225), the control unit 110 executes processing for additional support for the first user (step S235). The additional support will be described in detail later. Thus, in the mental management system 10 according to the present embodiment, i) when there is no problem with the stress value of the first user, "personal advice" is provided to the first user, ii) when there is a problem with the stress value of the first user and there is a problem with the average stress value of the members of the group to which the first user belongs, "environmental advice" is provided to the first user, and iii) when there is a problem with the stress value of the first user and there is no problem with the average stress value of the members of the group to which the first user belongs, "additional support" is provided to the first user. Here, in step S215, when the stress value of the first user satisfies a predetermined condition, in addition to "environmental advice" or "additional support", "personal advice" may also be provided to the first user. In this case, when the stress value of the first user satisfies the predetermined condition, the "personal advice" may set a longer time or higher frequency for mindfulness meditation than when the predetermined condition is not satisfied.

[0079] Referring to the right flowchart in FIG. 6B, the control unit 210 controls the display unit 250 to display an answer screen regarding the periodic stress check (step S250).

[0080] The control unit 210 determines whether the input of the answer regarding the periodic stress check has been completed (step S255). When it is determined that the input of the answer has not been completed (NO in step S255), the control unit 210 waits until the input of the answer is completed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the input of the answer has been completed (YES in step S255), the control unit 210 controls the communication I / F 240 to transmit the answer information to the server 100 (step S260).

[0081] Thereafter, the control unit 210 determines whether or not it has received advice or the like from the server 100 (step S265). As an example of advice or the like, for example, it includes personal advice, environmental advice, or advice for the first user provided as additional support. If it is determined that advice or the like has not been received (NO in step S265), the control unit 210 waits until advice or the like is received. On the other hand, if it is determined that advice or the like has been received (YES in step S265), the control unit 210 controls the display unit 250 to display the advice or the like (step S270).

[0082] Among the flowcharts shown in FIG. 6B, at least some of the content of the personal advice in step S220, the environmental advice in step S230, and the additional support in step S235 may be changed based on the busyness of the first user.

[0083] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for changing advice content and the like. The processing shown in this flowchart may be executed in at least a part of steps S220, S230, and S235 of FIG. 6B. Referring to FIG. 7, the control unit 110 refers to the busyness information TB129 stored in the storage unit 120 (step S300). The control unit 110 changes the content of advice or the like based on the content of the busyness information TB129 (step S310).

[0084] For example, when promoting mindfulness meditation for the first user, if the first user is not very busy, a longer program is provided to the first user, while if the first user is busy, a shorter program is provided to the first user. Also, for example, when the first user is not very busy, the frequency of promoting mindfulness meditation becomes higher (e.g., changes from once a week to four times a week) compared to when the first user is busy. Also, for example, when the first user is not very busy, the time for promoting mindfulness meditation becomes longer compared to when the first user is busy. According to such a method, since the advice is changed based on the busyness of the first user, it is possible to suppress the content of the advice from becoming an excessive burden on the first user. Note that the time zone when advice or the like is provided to the first user may be determined according to, for example, the desired time zone information included in the busyness information TB129.

[0085] Even if the first user is not very busy, if many other users in the group G1 to which the first user belongs are busy, it is not necessarily preferable for the group G1 for the first user to use a long time for mindfulness meditation or the like or to perform mindfulness meditation or the like at a high frequency. This is because other users may feel uncomfortable with the first user, or it may close the path for the first user to take on part of the work of other users. Therefore, the busyness information of each user managed in the busyness information TB129 may be corrected based on the busyness information of the group G1 to which each user belongs (Figure 3I).

[0086] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure for correcting the busyness information of each user. The process shown in this flowchart may be executed before the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7. Referring to FIG. 8, the control unit 110 refers to the group busyness information TB130 stored in the storage unit 120 (step S400). The control unit 110 corrects the busyness information TB129 based on the group busyness information TB130 (step S410). For example, if the busyness of group G1 to which each user belongs is 3 or 4 (FIG. 3I), the busyness of the user is incremented by 1 (FIG. 3H). Also, for example, if the busyness of group G1 to which each user belongs is 5, the busyness of the user is incremented by 2. According to such a method, since the busyness information of each user is corrected based on the busyness of group G1, it is possible to provide the first user with advice that takes into account the busyness of the entire group. When advice or the like is provided to all members of group G1, the time period may be determined according to, for example, the desired time period information included in the group busyness information TB130.

[0087] As described above, in step S235 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6B, additional support for the first user is executed. In the mental management system 10, a plurality of types of support are prepared in advance as additional support. The procedure for selecting any one of the plurality of types of support will be described next.

[0088] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for selecting support to be applied to the first user from a plurality of types of support. Referring to FIG. 9, the control unit 110 refers to the belonging awareness TB123 and determines whether the belonging awareness of the first user to the company satisfies a predetermined condition (step S500). Examples of the predetermined conditions include: i) the answer to the question "Can you freely speak what you think at work?" is "Yes", ii) the answer to the question "Do you feel that your belonging group is your place?" is equal to or higher than a predetermined score, and iii) the answer to the question "How many people can you freely talk to within the group?" is at least one of more than one person.

[0089] When it is determined that the sense of belonging of the first user to the company does not satisfy the predetermined conditions (NO in step S500), the process proceeds to step S520. On the other hand, when it is determined that the sense of belonging of the first user to the company satisfies the predetermined conditions (YES in step S500), the control unit 110 activates the help advice and the request for support from others (step S510). The help advice is advice that prompts the first user to talk to other users (employees) selected by the control unit 110. The request for support from others is a request that prompts other users (employees) selected by the control unit 110 to support the first user. How the control unit 110 selects other users will be described in detail later. Also, "activating" these advices means making these advices candidates for support provided to the first user. In this way, in the mental management system 10, only when the sense of belonging of the first user to the company is relatively high, the employees belonging to the company CM1 become the consultation partners (second users) of the first user, and when the effect on improving the mental state of the first user is small, the second users within the company are not selected, so that an excessive burden on the second users is suppressed.

[0090] Thereafter, the control unit 110 determines whether the first user has a family member who satisfies the predetermined conditions (step S520). Examples of the predetermined conditions include all of i) the first user having a spouse, ii) the family relationship being good, and iii) the stress value of the spouse being below a predetermined value. For example, the information regarding i) and ii) can be obtained by referring to the registration information TB122. Also, the information regarding iii) may be separately input via the terminal 200 by the spouse of the first user, for example, when the spouse of the first user becomes a candidate for the second user.

[0091] When it is determined that the first user has a family that satisfies the predetermined conditions (YES in step S520), the control unit 110 enables family advice (step S530). Family advice is advice that encourages the family of the first user to support the first user. When family advice is selected, information indicating the advice is transmitted to the terminal 200 of the family of the first user.

[0092] On the other hand, when it is determined that the first user does not have a family that satisfies the predetermined conditions (NO in step S520), the control unit 110 enables mental management room advice and counseling (step S540). Mental management room advice is advice that encourages the first user to support the mental management room M1. When mental management room advice is selected, information indicating the advice is transmitted to the terminal 200 arranged in the mental management room M1. Also, counseling is advice that encourages the first user to support the counselor CS1. When counseling is selected, information indicating the advice is transmitted to the terminal 200 of the counselor CS1.

[0093] After that, the control unit 110 selects one of the enabled measures (such as advice) (step S550). When multiple measures are enabled, help advice and requests for support from others are preferentially selected over family advice, mental management room advice, and counseling.

[0094] For example, the employees of company CM1 are selected as the second user in help advice and requests for support from others. The employees of company CM1 are users who answer stress checks and the like prepared in the mental management system 10 (such users are referred to as users in the first user group). On the other hand, each of family F1, the staff of mental management room M1, and counselor CS1 is a user who does not answer stress checks and the like prepared in the mental management system 10 (such users are referred to as users in the second user group). That is, support by users included in the second user group is performed when there is no user in the first user group who can be selected as the second user. Depending on the mental state of the first user, a situation may occur where none of the users (the first user group) existing in the same environment as the first user is suitable as the second user. According to such a method, since support by users belonging to the second user group is performed when such a situation occurs, the mental state of the first user can be managed more appropriately even if such a situation occurs.

[0095] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for selecting measures when both help advice and requests for support from others are enabled. Referring to Figure 10, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the mental state of the first user has improved despite having already executed help advice or having already presented help advice to the first user (step S600). If it is determined that help advice has not been executed or help advice has not been presented to the first user (NO in step S600), the control unit 110 selects help advice (step S620). On the other hand, if it is determined that help advice has been executed or help advice has been presented to the first user (YES in step S600), the control unit 110 selects a request for support from others (step S610).

[0096] That is, in the mental management system 10, help advice is executed prior to a request for support from others. In other words, a request for support from others is made when the mental state of the first user does not improve after the help advice. According to this method, since a support request is not notified to other users (employees) more than necessary, it is possible to avoid an excessive increase in the burden on other users.

[0097] Referring again to FIG. 9, when any measure is selected in step S550, the control unit 110 executes the selected measure (step S560). For example, when help advice or a request for support from others is selected, the control unit 110 selects any user from the users belonging to company CM1 as the second user. When help advice is selected, advice prompting the first user to talk to the second user is transmitted to the terminal 200 of the first user. When a request for support from others is selected, advice prompting the second user to support the first user is transmitted to the terminal 200 of the second user.

[0098] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the selection procedure for the second user. Referring to FIG. 11, the control unit 110 refers to the user stress transition TB125 to list up, as candidates for the second user, users among the users belonging to company CM1 whose stress value is equal to or less than the threshold value. The control unit 110 refers to various TBs (step S710) and determines the second user (supporter or helper) from the listed candidates based on the contents of the various TBs (step S720).

[0099] For example, the control unit 110 scores the suitability of each candidate as the second user. For example, when the first user works in the office, an addition may be made to the score of the candidate for office work. When the first user works in the office, if the user who works in the office is selected as the second user, the communication between the first user and the second user will be closer than when the user who works from home is selected as the second user. According to such a method, when the first user works in the office, the communication between the first user and the second user becomes closer, so that the mental state of the first user can be managed more appropriately. Also, for example, when the first user has two work modes, office work and working from home, for the days when the first user has scheduled office work, an addition may be made to the score of the candidate for office work. Also, for example, when the first user works from home, an addition to the score of the candidate based on the work mode of the second user may not be performed. This is because when the first user works from home, there is no difference in communication with the first user whether the second user is an office worker or a home worker.

[0100] Also, for example, an addition may be made to the score of the candidate with a high level of familiarity with the first user. The level of familiarity indicates the current level of closeness between each other. The level of familiarity is calculated based on, for example, the amount of communication between each other, the length of time since they became acquainted, the frequency of conversation, the length of time actually spent together, and the like. Information regarding the calculated level of familiarity is stored in the familiarity relationship TB124. In particular, when selecting the second user in help advice, the degree of score increase based on the level of familiarity may be made higher than when selecting the second user in a request for support from others. This is because it is easier for the first user to talk to the second user when the person with a high level of familiarity is selected as the second user.

[0101] Also, for example, an addition may be made to the score of a candidate who has a high compatibility (good compatibility) with the first user. The compatibility indicates the probability that two people can potentially get along well based on common items such as personality tendencies, hobby orientations, and family compositions. The compatibility is calculated, for example, based on information such as personality and hobbies stored in the registration information TB122. That is, the second user may be selected after considering the amicability and compatibility with the first user.

[0102] According to such a method, since there is a high possibility that communication between the first user and the second user will be carried out smoothly, the mental state of the first user can be managed more appropriately.

[0103] Also, for example, after referring to the support request TB127, an addition may be made to the score of a candidate listed by the first user as a person to consult with. According to such a method, since the wishes of the first user are considered in the selection of the second user, a more appropriate user can be selected as the second user.

[0104] Also, for example, after referring to the feedback information TB128, an addition may be made to the score of a candidate with good content in the feedback information. According to such a method, since past feedback information is considered when selecting the second user, a more appropriate user can be selected as the second user.

[0105] After that, the control unit 110 issues a notification such as advice (step S730). For example, when help advice is selected, the control unit 110 notifies the first user of advice that prompts the first user to talk to the second user. Also, when a request for support from others is selected, the control unit 110 notifies the second user of advice that prompts support for the first user. The content to be notified to the second user is information about the first user, such as information regarding the name of the first user, information regarding the mental state of the first user, information regarding advice suitable for the first user, and information that prompts the start of communication from the second user to the first user. Therefore, according to the mental management system 10 according to the present embodiment, the second user can obtain information about the first user who needs support. At this time, as the content of the notification, it is also possible to display "Please try talking to the first user" or "Please be kind to the first user". Thereby, even if the mental state of the first user is not detailedly conveyed to the second user, it is possible to expect support from the second user who has room to pay attention to the first user. On the other hand, as the content of the notification, it is also possible to display "The first user is worried about ○○. Please listen to the worry". The second user can support the first user in a state where the worry of the first user is grasped in advance. Also, for example, not only a simple notification but also a mechanism may be provided such that an online call or chat between the first user and the second user is automatically started. Also, for example, not only a simple notification but also a time for communication may be automatically set in a system that manages the schedules between the first user and the second user.

[0106] In this way, by executing the process of step S700, as the second user, a user whose mental state satisfies a predetermined condition is selected. An example of the predetermined condition is that the stress value is lower than the threshold value. Therefore, according to the mental management system 10 according to the present embodiment, since it is possible to expect support from the second user who has room to pay attention to the first user, the mental state of the first user can be managed more appropriately.

[0107] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the operations in the terminal 200 of the second user when a request for support from others is selected. Referring to Figure 12, the control unit 210 determines whether advice has been received from the server 100 (step S800). If it is determined that advice has not been received (NO in step S800), the control unit 210 waits until advice is received. On the other hand, if it is determined that advice has been received (YES in step S800), the control unit 210 controls the display unit 250 to display the received advice (step S810). By referring to the advice displayed on the display unit 250, the second user can take action. As a result, the mental state of the first user is positively affected.

[0108] Also, as described above, after a help advice or a request for support from others is made, feedback is provided for the employees or the like (second user) who provided the support. Specifically, each of the employee who received the support (first user) and the employee who provided the support (second user) transmits feedback information to the server 100 via the terminal 200.

[0109] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the feedback procedure after support. The process shown in the left flowchart in Figure 13 is executed by the control unit 110 of the server 100, and the process shown in the right flowchart in Figure 13 is executed by the control unit 210 of the terminal 200.

[0110] Referring to the left flowchart in Figure 13, the control unit 110 determines whether an answer regarding feedback has been received (step S900). If it is determined that an answer regarding feedback has not been received (NO in step S900), the control unit 110 waits until an answer is received. On the other hand, if it is determined that an answer regarding feedback has been received (YES in step S900), the control unit 110 updates the feedback information TB128 based on the received answer (step S910).

[0111] Referring to the flowchart on the right in FIG. 13, the control unit 210 controls the display unit 250 to display a response screen regarding feedback (step S1000). The control unit 210 determines whether the input of the response is completed (step S1010). If it is determined that the input is not completed (NO in step S1010), the control unit 210 waits until the input is completed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the input is completed (YES in step S1010), the control unit 210 controls the communication I / F 240 to transmit the input response to the server 100 (step S1020). By such a procedure, the feedback information TB128 is updated.

[0112] [4. Features] As described above, in the mental management system 10, information regarding the mental state of the first user is notified to a second user different from the first user. The mental state of the second user satisfies a predetermined condition. Therefore, according to the mental management system 10, since support for the first user by the second user who has room to pay attention to the first user can be expected, the mental state of the first user can be managed more appropriately. [Description of Reference Numerals]

[0113] 10 Mental management system, 100 Server, 110, 210 Control unit, 111, 211 CPU, 112, 212 RAM, 113, 213 ROM, 120, 220 Storage unit, 121, 221 Control program, 122 Registration information TB, 123 Belonging awareness TB, 124 Friendship relationship TB, 125 User stress transition TB, 126 Group stress TB, 127 Support request TB, 128 Feedback information TB, 129 Busyness information TB, 130 Group busyness information TB, 140, 240 Communication I / F, 161 Acquisition unit, 162 Selection unit, 163 Information generation unit, 164 Notification unit, 200 Terminal, 250 Display unit, 260 Reception unit, CM1 Company, CS1 Counselor, F1 Family, G1 Group, H1 User's home, M1 Mental management room, O1 Workplace.

Claims

1. A method for managing a user's mental state in a mental management system, wherein a plurality of users are involved in the mental management system, the plurality of users includes a first user, the method includes a step of a computer obtaining mental information of each of the plurality of users through questions, the mental information indicates the mental state of the user and includes the stress value of the user, the computer, selects, as a second user different from the first user, a user among the plurality of users whose stress value is less than a threshold value, and further includes a step of notifying the second user of first information regarding the first user based on the mental information of the first user.

2. The computer, notifies the first user of second information including advice for the first user based on the mental information of the first user, and further includes a step of obtaining the mental information of the first user through questions after the notification of the second information, wherein the notification of the first information to the second user is performed when the mental state of the first user does not improve after the notification of the second information. The management method according to Claim 1.

3. the second information includes first advice for changing the mental state of the first user and second advice for promoting environmental changes in the workplace of the first user, the first advice is notified to the first user based on the mental information of the first user, the second advice is notified to the first user based on the mental states of the members of the group to which the first user belongs in the workplace, the plurality of users includes the members. The management method according to Claim 2.

4. The method further includes a step of the computer obtaining the first busyness information of each of the plurality of users through a query, where the first busyness information relates to the busyness of the user, and the advice included in the second information is changed based on the first busyness information of the first user, according to the management method described in claim 2 or claim 3.

5. The management method according to claim 4, wherein the first busyness information is corrected based on second busyness information regarding the busyness of the group to which the first user belongs in the workplace of the first user.

6. At least some of the plurality of users belong to the same organization as the first user, each of the users belonging to the organization is either on office duty or telecommuting, and when the first user is on office duty, users on office duty are preferentially selected as the second user, according to the management method described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The management method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second user is selected based on the camaraderie information among the users.

8. The management method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second user is selected based on the compatibility information among the users.

9. The method further includes a step of the computer obtaining feedback information regarding the second user after notifying the second user of the first information, and the second user is selected based on the feedback information obtained in the past, according to the management method described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A control program for causing a computer to execute management of the mental state of a user of a mental management system, The mental management system involves a plurality of users, The plurality of users includes a first user, causing a computer to execute a step of obtaining the mental information of each of the plurality of users through questions, The mental information indicates the mental state of the user and includes the stress value of the user, selecting, as a second user different from the first user, a user among the plurality of users whose stress value is less than a threshold value, and further causing the computer to execute a step of notifying the second user of first information regarding the first user based on the mental information of the first user. A control program.

11. A mental management server configured to manage the mental state of a user, The mental management server involves a plurality of users, The plurality of users includes a first user, comprising an acquisition unit configured to obtain the mental information of each of the plurality of users through questions, The mental information indicates the mental state of the user and includes the stress value of the user, a selection unit configured to select, as a second user different from the first user, a user among the plurality of users whose stress value is less than a threshold value, and further comprising a notification unit configured to notify the second user of first information regarding the first user based on the mental information of the first user. A mental management server.

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