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

For years, corporate wellness programs focused primarily on physical and mental health, offering benefits such as gym memberships, therapy sessions, guided meditation, and expanded health plans. But a new pillar is beginning to gain ground in the strategies of the most innovative companies: social health.

The concept, which has been highlighted at global events such as SXSW and has been gaining traction in international organizations, is based on the idea that the quality of social connections at work has a direct impact on mental and physical health, and even professional performance.

"The lack of meaningful 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 greater creativity, collaboration, and engagement," explains Eliane Aere, president of ABRH-SP.

In Brazil, ABRH-SP, a leading authority on people management trends, points out that social health 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 volunteering initiatives, which expand 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 bonds are not just an “extra,” but a strategic component of organizational well-being and competitiveness.

"If until recently we talked about mental health as the new focus, now we see a step forward: understanding that human beings are social by nature, and that healthy relationships at work are crucial for overall health," reinforces Aere.

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