Chief Happiness Officer: Are Brazilian companies ready for this position?

In recent years, employee well-being has become a strategic priority for companies around the world.In some markets, this move has given rise to a new executive position: the Chief Happiness Officer (CHO), responsible for promoting a healthier, productive and satisfactory work environment. But does this trend make sense for Brazil?

The concept of CHO emerged in large corporations abroad, especially in technology companies and startups, which realized that happiness at work directly impacts talent retention, engagement and, consequently, results. The professional acts in the implementation of quality of life policies, mental and emotional well-being initiatives, organizational culture and even benefits that increase employee satisfaction.

According to the ABRH - SP, the growing appreciation of corporate well-being in Brazil indicates that this trend can gain strength here. “Brazilian companies are increasingly aware of the importance of the work environment in productivity and talent attraction. However, the creation of a specific position for this function is still a subject of debate”, says Eliane Aere, President of ABRH-SP.

In Brazil, many companies already invest in strategies for employee well-being, but the role of Chief Happiness Officer is not yet widely adopted. Most initiatives are linked to areas such as HR, organizational culture and corporate health, with programs aimed at balancing personal and professional life, more flexible working hours, mental health benefits and decompression spaces.

For the president, the challenge is to adapt this concept to the Brazilian reality. “Each company needs to assess its culture and needs before creating a position like CHO. In many cases, it may make more sense to strengthen the HR area with professionals focused on the well-being of employees”, adds Aere.

Regardless of the nomenclature, the tendency to prioritize corporate well-being is a reality. With the growing competitiveness in the market and the new generation of professionals demanding more work-life balance, companies that invest in organizational happiness can have a significant advantage.