Actions focused on well-being and mental health strengthen work and learning environments
January marks the beginning of the “Janeiro Branco” campaign, a national movement in Brazil that encourages society to reflect on the importance of mental health, self-awareness, and emotional care. The initiative emphasizes that talking about emotions, relationships, and psychological well-being is essential for building a more balanced life—both personally and professionally.
In recent years, this topic has gone from being addressed only occasionally to becoming a permanent part of institutions focused on education, social inclusion, and human development. In a context marked by increasing productivity pressure and task overload, the conversation is more urgent than ever—especially in the workplace.
According to psychologist Jessica Tauane, emotional distress has become part of many people’s routines. She warns:
“Burnout, anxiety, and mental exhaustion are increasingly common. We live in a context of high demands, difficulty balancing personal and professional life, and little time to rest. What’s most concerning is that many people continue working while emotionally unwell, normalizing a suffering that should be addressed.”
In Betim (MG), initiatives promoting active listening, emotional support, and preventive mental health care are gaining relevance. A prominent example is the work of Instituto Ramacrisna, which offers ongoing psychological care for both employees and students.
The initiative goes beyond individual therapy, valuing an organizational culture based on dialogue, respect, and emotional well-being. “When institutions create safe spaces for listening and support, they help prevent emotional distress and strengthen bonds. Mental health care allows employees and students to feel a sense of belonging, safety, and better preparedness to face daily challenges,” explains Jessica.
Additionally, continuous psychological monitoring helps identify early signs of emotional issues, enabling more effective and humanized interventions.
The vice president of Instituto Ramacrisna, Solange Bottaro, emphasizes that caring for people is a core principle of the organization:
“We believe that sustainable social impact is impossible without caring for the well-being of those who make it happen daily. That’s why we prioritize an organizational culture that values mental health, emotional balance, and healthier workplace relationships.”
According to Solange, investing in mental health also means investing in institutional sustainability. “When we take care of people, we strengthen the workplace environment, improve outcomes, and increase our ability to transform lives. This is a commitment we’ve made permanently.”
