The debate about mental health in the corporate environment is on the rise, especially after the inclusion of Burnout syndrome in the list of occupational diseases by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022. In 2023, 421 people were removed from work due to mental disorders, the highest number in the last ten years in Brazil, according to data from the National Institute of Social Security (INSS).
In this context, the Yellow September campaign, focused on suicide prevention and mental health care, reinforces the relevance of the topic. Although it is not exclusively aimed at the corporate environment, this space deserves special attention because it is prone to the emergence of issues related to mental health.
Denize Savi, Chief Happiness Officer at Chilli Beans and an expert in the Science of Happiness, is leading a well-being program for the company’s employees. Since 2023, Chilli Beans has been using tools from Positive Psychology, Neuroscience and Behavior to promote mental health and keep its employees motivated and engaged.
Savi highlights the importance of leaders paying close attention to team happiness, creating an environment of empathy, respect and trust. “This is possible by transforming the organizational climate, developing an environment with psychological safety, creating space for employees to be themselves, speaking their minds without worry, without fear of being ridiculed, invalidated or punished. Where they can share their opinions and ideas openly, show all their skills, take risks, admit mistakes, learn from failures, encourage innovation and have honest and open discussions,” he explains.
Promoting mental health in companies not only brings well-being to employees, but also results in benefits such as increased productivity and loyalty. For these initiatives to be effective, it is essential that they are planned and developed in the long term, based on scientific diagnoses and interventions, and include ongoing support and a guide to good practices.
“People are increasingly looking to work in an environment where they find recognition, where there is respect, a place that develops them not only as a professional, but also as a person. A place where they go not only to work, but also to make friends. It is no surprise that studies show that the more workers ignore the power of social investment, the more they harm their own performance. We spend most of our time at work. We need to have good relationships in this environment”, concludes Savi.
