Brazilian companies struggle to comply with NR-1 psychosocial risk regulations

Recent surveys indicate that many Brazilian companies are struggling to comply with the updated NR-1 regulation, which mandates the management of psychosocial risks such as stress, harassment, and emotional exhaustion. According to a study by FIA and Flash, 80% of CEOs admit their companies have not fully implemented the required processes, with only 20% having completed the transition since the May 26 deadline.

A survey by the consultancy EXEC identifies leadership training as the primary obstacle to compliance, cited by 34.8% of respondents. Other challenges include adjusting internal policies (17.4%) and communicating changes to employees (13%). Experts warn that treating the regulation as a mere compliance checklist rather than a cultural shift may be ineffective, especially as mental health-related disability benefits in Brazil have seen a significant increase.

Data from the Engaja S/A index, produced by Flash and FGV, highlights the severity of the issue, noting that 18% of Brazilian workers experience daily symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, or depression. The research also identified specific profiles of workplace distress, including exhausted leaders, with 74% reporting frequent fatigue.