For years, corporate wellness programs have focused primarily on physical and mental health, offering benefits like gyms, therapy sessions, guided meditation, and expanded health plans. But a new pillar is starting to gain ground in the strategies of the most innovative companies: social health.
The concept, highlighted at global events like SXSW and gaining traction in international organizations, stems from the idea that the quality of social connections within the workplace directly impacts mental, physical health, and even professional performance.
"The lack of significant social connections in the corporate environment can lead to isolation, increase the risk of illness, and compromise both motivation and talent retention. On the other hand, teams that cultivate healthy interactions exhibit more creativity, collaboration, and engagement," explains Eliane Aere, president of ABRH-SP.
In Brazil, ABRH-SP, a reference in discussions of human resources management trends, points out that social well-being is beginning to be seen as the third dimension of well-being, alongside physical and mental health. This includes practices such as:
- Integration and belonging programs for new employees;
- Affinity networks that strengthen diversity and inclusion;
- Corporate volunteer initiatives, which strengthen social ties within and outside the company;
- Policies that encourage coexistence and collaboration, in hybrid or in-person models.
According to the association, the challenge for Brazilian companies will be to incorporate social health in a structured way into their HR agendas, understanding that interpersonal relationships are not just an "extra," but a strategic component of well-being and organizational competitiveness.
"Until recently, we were talking about mental health as the new focus, but now we see a step further: understanding that human beings are social by nature, and that healthy work relationships are crucial for overall well-being," emphasizes Aere.
With the advance of this trend, the future of corporate well-being in Brazil is expected to expand to include strategies that promote belonging, support networks, and human connections, solidifying social health as a priority on company agendas.
