Currently, the pursuit of well-being and balance has been a constant, and one of the most desired outcomes of this lifestyle is achieving “happiness” in different areas of life. For many Brazilians, work occupies a large part of their routine, making the quality of the professional environment essential for emotional balance. A survey on mental health and the work environment, published by InfoMoney in November of this year, revealed that 39.95% of participants indicated that unhappiness at work is directly linked to toxic relationships. The research, titled “70% of happiness at work depends on the direct boss – and this impacts productivity,” was based on a study conducted by Robert Half in partnership with The School of Life, highlighting the influence of direct managers on employee satisfaction and productivity.
The term bullying, often associated with school environments, now stands out in an unexpected context: the workplace. Situations of hostility, intimidation, or exclusion among colleagues or superiors not only affect professionals’ well-being but also compromise productivity and employees’ physical and mental health. Often, these behaviors are masked in constant and unjustified criticism, raised voices, public insults, assignment of degrading tasks or impossible deadlines, social exclusion, and personal attacks disguised as feedback.
Dr. Simone Nascimento, a physician specialized in Corporate Mental Health at the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein and founder of the Equilibria Project, emphasizes that corporate bullying is an urgent issue. “The impacts go beyond the psychological, potentially triggering anxiety, depression, absenteeism, and even psychosomatic illnesses. This harms both employees and the organization,” she warns.
Additionally, according to the doctor, the practice of bullying in the professional environment results in high turnover, medical leaves, and a decline in team performance. “Companies that neglect this problem may face financial losses and reputational damage. Investing in mental health and quality-of-life programs is essential to promote a healthier and more productive work environment,” she stresses.
To address bullying in the workplace, Dr. Simone proposes some essential actions:
. Provide training to clarify what bullying is and its impacts, promoting awareness and respect;
. Create confidential support channels, allowing employees to report cases safely;
. Investigate complaints seriously and take necessary measures against those responsible;
. Reinforce clear organizational policies, emphasizing that bullying is a serious, unacceptable, and intolerable conduct in the company.
These initiatives reinforce that the organization considers bullying a serious and unacceptable practice, reiterating its commitment to respect, empathy, and employee well-being. Companies that prioritize mental health and professional balance not only strengthen internal productivity but also become more competitive in the market, consolidating an image of responsibility and care.
