Legislation on mental health in the workplace in Brazil has evolved to encourage practices that promote the well-being of employees. Regulatory Standard No. 1 (NR-1), which will come into force in May 2025, requires all companies to assess and manage psychosocial risks in the workplace. This regulation covers the management of organizational stress, the prevention of harassment and discrimination, and encourages the implementation of psychological support programs.
In addition, Law No. 14,831/2024 created the Mental Health Promotion Company Certificate, a recognition for companies that promote actions in favor of mental health. To obtain this certificate, organizations must implement ongoing mental health programs, including psychological support for employees.
According to Larissa, a psychologist from ST-One’s People team, it is essential to pay attention to the employees’ routine, as work is an integral part of life. “It is necessary to evaluate their health and how they are inserted within the company (…) Sometimes we spend more time at work than at home.” Thus, the idea is not to identify whether the problems were triggered inside or outside the work environment, but to map their participation in a perhaps pre-existing condition.
Currently, there is a growing awareness of the importance of mental health in the industry. Information released by CNN (2021) indicates that companies’ interest in creating actions aimed at mental health has grown 33% in the last five years. This change in culture is significant, because in addition to stimulating creativity and engagement between teams, it contributes to the employee remaining in the organization. Talking openly about mental health demonstrates social responsibility and attracts quality talent.
The impact is also financial, because, according to Sebrae (2023), mental illnesses generate a global economic impact of US$ 1 trillion in lost productivity. These factors show that the benefits of investing in mental health impact the entire ecosystem of the industry, contributing to quality of life and profitability.
The Role of Psychologists in Industries: Prevention and Organizational Development
Although it is not a legal requirement, many manufacturing industries in Brazil have adopted the presence of occupational psychologists in their facilities. This practice has proven to be an effective strategy to promote the well-being of employees and optimize the organizational environment.
The presence of on-site psychologists allows companies to address emotional issues in a preventive way, providing immediate psychological support and building a healthier and more productive environment. The main areas of activity of these professionals include:
- Prevention and mental health support: On-site action allows for early identification and intervention in psychosocial risk factors, preventing problems such as burnout and reducing the stigma associated with mental health.
- Conflict management and organizational development: Psychologists assist in resolving interpersonal conflicts, improving leadership, and promoting work-life balance.
- Recruitment and selection: The application of psychological tests ensures the adequacy of new employees to the organizational environment, optimizing integration and performance.
- Strategic intervention: Psychologists work in the implementation of mental health, conflict management, and organizational development programs, contributing to a positive work climate and increasing employee satisfaction.
- Education and awareness: They promote awareness about the importance of mental health in the workplace, reducing prejudice and strengthening recognition.
The adoption of these practices not only fulfills a social function, but also allows manufacturers to benefit from a more harmonious environment, where employees feel supported and valued. This, in turn, can lead to reduced turnover, improved job satisfaction ratings, and increased organizational performance.
Yellow September: The Importance of Mental Health Awareness
“Diseases are the result not only of our actions, but also of our thoughts”, this phrase was said by Gandhi, when reflecting on the issue of mental health. This theme gains strength with the arrival of Yellow September, known worldwide as the campaign to combat suicide. It was inspired by the story of Mike Emme, who committed suicide at the age of 17 in September 1994 in the United States. He was known to be passionate about cars, having restored and painted a ’68 Mustang yellow.
Unfortunately, those close to him did not realize the psychological issues he faced. Thus, it was not possible to prevent him from taking his own life, being found inside his car. During his funeral, cards decorated with a yellow ribbon with the phrase “if you need it, ask for help” were distributed, which became a symbol of the campaign. In Brazil, it was adopted in 2015 by the Center for the Valorization of Life (CVV), the Federal Council of Medicine and the Brazilian Association of Psychiatry.
In addition to the absence of problems, mental health is a state where the individual can deal with everyday situations, which are diverse and unpredictable. In this way, it is necessary to understand this concept as something broad, with infinite ways of living, in which adversities are not necessarily banished. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines it as a well-being in which it is possible to develop skills, deal with stress, and contribute to the community.
“Mental health is also a definition of health as a whole. It’s a matter of cause and consequence, if you don’t take care of your mental health, you can have worsening in your physical health. The reverse is also true. In general, everything is interconnected” – Larissa, psychologist from ST-One’s People team
Mental Health Support: Counseling Centers and Services in Brazil
The guarantee of the right to health includes mental health care. To this end, there are several institutions and material that value this monitoring and awareness. In Brazil, this care can be provided in any unit of the Psychosocial Care Network (RAPS), which offers several health services with different purposes. This network offers actions to promote mental health, provides assistance and care, in addition to helping in the reintegration of people with psychological suffering. This reinforces the idea that this struggle is not individual, but that it must be thought of collectively.
In addition, the Life Appreciation Center (CVV) is a non-profit organization that offers emotional support and works on suicide prevention. It was founded in 1962, and voluntarily and free of charge serves people who need to talk, anonymously. The service is made by the number 188, available 24 hours a day, at no additional cost.
To learn more about the subject, it is also possible to read the Mental Health Care Guidelines Booklet (2020), produced and made available by the Federal Government. Already more inserted in the context of the industry, the Booklet for Attention to the Psychological Suffering of Workers (2014) offers guidance on mental health related to work. Learn more about ST-One.