Looking at the happy side (or not) of organizations

Companies are always looking to differentiate themselves and thus be able to be more successful in the competition in which they operate in an increasingly open and globalized market. Therefore, although with caution, new approaches and trends often turn into fashions. And as in many fashions it becomes more important what it looks like than what it is. Today concerns about well-being and prevention of psychosocial risks have reached some companies. But from the application of plans with scientific evidence to the promotion of healthy workplaces, with a guaranteed return on investment, we have quickly jumped to ocasional happiness initiatives. After some time we have forgotten what gave rise to the concern and effort, and as it is fashionable we see everyone doing the same kind of initiatives that promise happy workers, indeed more like marketing than reality, as happened with the old FNAT - National Federation for Joy at Work , here in Portugal, before April 25, 1974. Sometimes well-being was replaced by wellness too. They are different but often confused. In a while, we do the math, and we realize that there are no expected results and we throw the baby out with the bath water, that is, we stop investing in what is critical for people's health at work and for more sustainable organizations (or we never get to invest) at the same time as we change of fashion. Let's look to what psychology and psychologists have to say and use what science can give us to work and live better in our organizations that are made of behaviors, emotions, motivations and decisions. Looking at the well-being side of organizations.

For universal health coverage

With regard to World Health Day, it is important to highlight some of the most overlooked aspects of health.  The World Health Organization (WHO) has given universal health coverage the highlights this year, reinforcing the goal of ensuring that everyone gets the health care they need, close on time (when they need it), close in place (in their community), close to their situation (what they need).  It is also important to recall WHO's definition of health as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not only the absence of disease or infirmity".

 It follows that in order to comply with the definition of health and with universal health coverage, despite all (and that is a lot!) of what we have already achieved, much still remains to be done.  It is only in recent years that the importance of prevention and of behavioral causes of many diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, depression, anxiety or obesity, has gained increasing attention from the population and policy makers.  It is only recently that the gaps in access to services provided by psychologists, whether in relation to physical, mental and social well-being and related living habits, or in the intervention of mental disorders have gained more expression and visibility, although much needs to be done. Without creating the conditions for citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, to have access to this type of health care and prevention, either at the level of primary health care or community projects, or at organizations preventing and intervening in psychosocial risks or in schools  helping to promote adjustment, school success and protective socio-emotional skills for development and a healthy life we can’t sustainably pursue a universal physical, mental and social health.

 We are living a decisive moment when it comes to health.  Citizens are more than ever the primary decision-makers and decision-makers who will ensure more and better health for future.

Adapted from an article published on https://observador.pt/opiniao/para-uma-cobertura-universal-da-saude/