Although the increase in absences due to mental health issues was 38% in 2023, according to the Ministry of Social Security, a study conducted by Betterfly, in partnership with Criteria, it detected that Brazil is the least stressed country in Latin America. The Better Work,that is already in its second edition, it aims to analyze the level of employee engagement in Latin America. The sample includes more than 3,000 women and men, from 18 to 65 years old, of companies with more than 100 employees in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru
In Brazil, there were 805 participants – 417 women and 383 men, given that 526 from Generation Z and X and 278 from X and Baby Boomers. Among the countries of Latin America, the country recorded a 34% stress rate, below the average of 38%, with Colombia at 41%; Mexico and Peru with 42%; Ecuador with 43%; and Chile with the highest level, with 46%.
The study showed that the Northeast of Brazil is 38% more stressed than the other regions, followed by the Midwest (35%), South (34%) and Southeast (32%). "We made a specific cut of São Paulo", which also represents 32% of the stress level, the lowest level presented in the Southeast. We understand that this may occur due to an economic characteristic, since São Paulo is a more advanced hub in the country – with companies that apply flexibility, inclusive with work models that involve home office or hybrid, comment Roberta Ferreira, Global Director of Brand Experience at Betterfly.
In this sense, the youngest are the most affected: generations Y and Z represent 37%, while Baby Boomers and Generation X represent 29%. The research showed that men are more stressed than women, with 36%.
Stress is higher in companies that do not offer benefits
For the executive, it is obvious that a good organizational climate plays a fundamental role in increasing employee engagement, with mutual respect, open communication and a culture of appreciation, creates a solid foundation for employees to feel motivated and committed to their responsibilities.
"When employees feel valued, are more likely to invest their time and effort in the success of the organization. "There is also influence from the opportunity for personal and professional growth and development", explain. In addition to that, she highlights that the research showed that stress is higher in companies that do not offer benefits (58%).
Mental disorders are among the top three causes of absenteeism from work, according to data from the Labor Court. Therefore, the great challenge of HR has become not only to attract talent, but retain them and promote engagement. The study showed that 87% of engaged people do not suffer from stress, what highlights the importance of promoting mental health and the well-being of its employees.
It is worth remembering that, today, there is the Mental Health Promoter Company Certificate, according to Law 14.831, approved on February 28, 2024, que concede o reconhecimento/honraria, by the federal government, to companies that adopt guidelines, such as the implementation of mental health promotion programs in the workplace and the fight against discrimination and harassment in all its forms
People with a good work environment report lower levels of stress: 39% of those who do not have a good work environment declare stress at work, 27% of them have a very good work environment
