With the new NR-1 on the horizon, companies need to rethink their practices and put people at the center

Corporate happiness has evolved from being merely an inspiring concept to becoming a strategic necessity—and soon, a legal requirement in Brazil. With the update to Regulatory Standard No. 1 (NR-1), which now includes mental health as part of occupational risk management, companies will need to pay closer attention to the emotional well-being of their employees starting in 2026.

This shift is taking place against a concerning backdrop: in 2025, Brazil recorded over 546,000 sick leaves due to mental health disorders, a 15% increase from the previous year. Anxiety and depression account for the majority of cases.

But what does corporate happiness actually mean? It involves creating a healthy work environment where people feel valued, respected, engaged, and emotionally secure. In other words, it’s not just about isolated benefits, but encompasses organizational culture, leadership, purpose, and quality human relationships.

The trend is clear: caring for mental health is no longer optional. It is part of organizational compliance and sustainability.

NR-1 and corporate well-being: what changes in practice?

The update to NR-1 represents a significant change in the world of work. Starting in May 2026, companies may be inspected and even fined for practices that harm workers’ mental health, such as:

• Excessive targets;
• Long working hours;
• Moral harassment;
• Lack of support and autonomy;
• Interpersonal conflicts;
• Poor working conditions.

In other words, psychosocial factors are now considered just as important as physical risks and workplace accidents.

But it’s not just about directly impacting workers’ health. Studies show that investing in corporate well-being also yields tangible results for companies. According to Harvard University, companies that invest in employee well-being see an increase of up to 31% in productivity and 21% in profits.

There has also been a significant reduction in absenteeism and turnover, along with a 37% improvement in sales effectiveness.

Furthermore, data indicates that happy employees demonstrate greater creativity, focus, and enthusiasm, driven by neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.

According to the science of happiness, it is not just major achievements that generate well-being, but rather frequent small positive experiences. This reinforces the importance of creating environments where daily life is lighthearted, respectful, and meaningful.

How to achieve corporate happiness in organizations?

Promoting corporate happiness requires structured and consistent actions. Among the key practices, the following stand out:

1. Participatory leadership: Managers who listen to their teams, value opinions, and encourage participation increase the sense of belonging;
2. Frequent recognition: Valuing achievements, even small ones, strengthens motivation and engagement;
3. Active listening: Creating safe spaces for dialogue is essential for understanding needs and preventing conflicts;
4. Strengthening relationships: Environments built on trust are proven to be happier and more productive;
5. Clear purpose: When people understand the impact of their work, engagement grows.

At the Ramacrisna Institute, whose mission is to transform lives through education and work, talking about happiness in the corporate environment is also talking about social impact. The institution works directly on social transformation, and this begins from the inside out. Happy employees are more engaged, more productive, and more connected to the institution’s purpose.

Therefore, fostering a healthy environment for employees means ensuring they are emotionally prepared to positively impact thousands of lives.

Ramacrisna also complies with Regulatory Standard No. 1 (NR-1), focused on occupational risk management, and offers free psychological counseling to employees, students, and apprentices. In 2025, 704 psychological counseling sessions were conducted with employees, an 111% increase compared to the previous year. Among students and apprentices, there were 807 sessions during the same period. This increase is linked to awareness campaigns, encouraging people to seek support, and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.

Furthermore, recognizing that each individual is unique—one of the pillars of happiness—is essential for creating an inclusive and welcoming environment.

More than a trend: a necessity

Corporate happiness is not a luxury or a “soft” issue. It is a concrete response to real challenges: high turnover, mental health issues, declining productivity, and legal risks.

With NR-1, Brazil aligns itself with a global agenda that recognizes well-being as a central element of sustainable development. Companies that ignore this movement risk losing competitiveness and relevance.

But more than that, talking about corporate happiness means talking about people, purpose, and the future. More than just complying with a standard, promoting happiness at work means building an environment where everyone can grow, contribute, and feel part of something greater.

Contact Ramacrisna and learn how to bring corporate happiness to your company.