Workplace social capital and self-rated health among nursery school teachers in Japan: a nationwide cross-sectional study

Introduction Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) professionals, such as nursery school teachers in Japan, are essential for children's development but face substantial physical and emotional demands that may affect their health. In recent years, workplace social capital (WSC)—defined as trust, reciprocity, and cooperative relationships within the workplace—has been recognized as an important determinant of employee health. Although associations between WSC and health outcomes have been reported in several occupational groups, little is known about its role among ECCE professionals. This study investigated the relationship between WSC and self-rated health (SRH) among Japanese nursery school teachers caring for children under 3 years of age. Methods We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study from February to May 2024, targeting 5,000 randomly selected childcare facilities across Japan. Self-administered questionnaires collected data on demographics, work-hours–related conditions, WSC, and SRH. SRH was assessed using a single-item measure and dichotomized into “good” and “poor.” WSC was measured using the Japanese version of the Finnish Public Sector Study (FPSS) scale and categorized into four groups. Logistic regression models estimated crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Of 2,470 valid responses, 10.4% reported poor SRH. Compared with the very high WSC group, participants in the very low WSC group had significantly higher odds of poor SRH (adjusted OR = 5.60; 95% CI: 3.24–9.70). This association remained significant after adjusting for work-hours–related conditions. Notably, additional adjustment for taking daily rest breaks attenuated the association (adjusted OR = 4.43; 95% CI: 2.40–7.00). Conclusion This study provides the first nationwide evidence linking WSC with SRH among Japanese nursery school teachers. Lower WSC was strongly associated with poor SRH, independent of work-hours–related conditions. Supportive and cohesive workplace relationships may enhance perceived health and facilitate effective recovery from fatigue, underscoring their importance in ECCE settings.