The Juan XXIII Foundation has organized an event to mark World Mental Health Day, highlighting the importance of emotional well-being in the workplace. The event, held on October 9 under the motto 'Mental health at work: people cared for, sustainable businesses', featured representatives from well-known companies such as Louis Vuitton, Moeve, McCann Worldgroup and DHL.
As an organization with more than 55 years of experience in the social and employment inclusion of people at risk of psychosocial vulnerability, the Juan XXIII Foundation has designed a week full of activities that highlight the importance of mental health care. Among the events, the roundtable stands out where business leaders shared their experiences and strategies around workplace well-being.
Almudena Amparo Aguado de Moeve emphasized the need to consider emotional well-being as an organizational responsibility, crucial for retaining talent and transforming the work environment. Cristina González, from McCann Worldgroup, stressed the importance of a work environment where people can express themselves freely, noting that well-being is a strategic priority to strengthen engagement and creativity.
Representing DHL, Loren Mercado highlighted the well-being policies implemented in the organization, including digital disconnection, thereby fostering an inclusive and respectful environment. As he explains, these measures have not only improved the working environment, but have also had a positive impact on the financial results.
Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveal that absences from work due to depression and anxiety generate an annual loss of 12 billion workdays, accounting for an economic impact of one trillion dollars. In Spain, the economic impact stands at 1.7% of GDP.
Moderated by Nuria Mas, the Foundation's Director of ESG Partnerships, the debate yielded strong conclusions about how prioritizing mental health not only benefits the workplace climate, but also drives sustainability and business profitability.
At the same time, the Foundation has launched the campaign "We've Gone Crazy," aimed at challenging the stigmas surrounding mental health and calling attention to the importance of its ongoing care at all stages of life. With provocative phrases such as 'You're crazy' and 'You've lost it', the campaign aims to raise awareness about this momentous issue.
