The Third Dimension of Well-being: Why Social Health is the New Priority for Competitive Companies

For years, corporate wellness programs have focused primarily on physical and mental health, offering benefits such as gyms, therapy sessions, guided meditation, and expanded health plans. But a new pillar is starting to gain traction 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 has a direct impact on 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. Conversely, teams that cultivate healthy interactions demonstrate more creativity, collaboration, and engagement," explains Eliane Aere, president of ABRH-SP.

In Brazil, ABRH-SP, a benchmark in discussions of human resource management trends, points out that social well-being is starting 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 hires;
• 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, Brazilian companies will face the challenge of incorporating 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 talked about mental health as the new focus. Now, we see a further step: understanding that humans are inherently social beings, and that healthy workplace relationships are crucial for overall well-being," emphasizes Aere.

With the advancement of this trend, the future of corporate well-being in Brazil should expand to include strategies that promote belonging, support networks, and human connections, solidifying social health as a priority on companies' agendas.