Concern over employee mental health remains high among Brazil’s largest companies

An index of Brazil’s largest corporate groups recorded an 8.02 score for concern about employee well-being in 2026, the second-highest level in its historical series.

The score was slightly below 2025’s 8.19, but above the levels recorded in 2023 and 2024.

The index is based mainly on company reports and also considers each company’s sector.

Finance had the highest sector score, while clothing retailer Renner led the overall company ranking.

Separately, a Starbem study found that about 72% of Brazilians were working in what it called “survival mode.”

Mental health-related absences cost Brazil’s social security system about R$1 billion, and 546,000 workers were absent for mental and behavioral disorders last year, a record.

Since May 2026, Brazil’s updated workplace safety rule has required companies to manage psychosocial risks, including bullying, excessive targets, long hours and constant pressure.