Mental Health at Work

Summary

In the interview published in October 2023, Manuela Nunes Ferreira describes burnout as exhaustion related to work, associated with fatigue, stress, and physical and emotional changes. She recalls the WHO's recognition of burnout as an occupational phenomenon in 2019, and cites a survey that pointed to a high risk in 50.6% of workers in Portugal.

Despite the scale of the problem, the stigma continues to make it difficult to have the conversation. The interviewee observes that many companies do not know how to address mental health, and that employees may fear judgment, replacement, or dismissal. This fear can also delay the recognition of symptoms and seeking help.

Commenting on Mental Health Law No. 35/2023, which had recently come into effect, the author highlights the rights of people who need care, the protection of freedom and autonomy, and the figure of a trusted person. She also discusses involuntary treatment and the limits to the duration of safety measures, while expressing concern about the resources available to implement the changes.

For employees with symptoms, the interview points to medical evaluation and explains the role of the temporary disability certificate when indicated. The author distinguishes the new provisions of the law from existing labor obligations and mentions ACT as an entity to which employees could appeal in the event of violations of these obligations, in the context explained in 2023.

To companies, she proposes a culture of inclusion and trust: leadership that is attentive to warning signs, information to recognize burnout, access to psychological support, recognition of work, and respect for breaks and rest. The interview reminds that burnout can also affect leadership, giving the example of spontaneous breaks caused by the office cat, Dr. Igor.

Excerpts from publications