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NR-17 regulation expands ergonomics to include mental health and work organization
The update to Brazil's Regulatory Norm No. 17 (NR-17), which has been in effect since January 2022, has expanded the scope of workplace ergonomics. Beyond physical furniture and posture, the regulation now addresses work organization, cognitive aspects, rhythm, autonomy, and the participation of workers to adapt conditions to their psychophysiological characteristics.
This regulatory shift coincides with growing concerns regarding mental health in the workplace. Experts note that excessive hours, job insecurity, and low autonomy can lead to psychological suffering. According to the World Health Organization and the International Labour Organization, depression and anxiety result in approximately 12 billion lost working days and a US$ 1 trillion annual impact on the global economy.
In Brazil, the impact on mental health is reflected in rising absenteeism. Data from 2025 shows over 546,000 work leaves due to mental disorders, representing a 15% increase compared to the previous year.
Entities
Brazil · Fundacentro · International Labour Organization · Ministry of Labor and Employment · World Health Organization
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Depression and anxiety cause an estimated loss of 12 billion working days and US$ 1 trillion annually to the global economy. www.cofen.gov.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] The current version of the NR-17 regulatory norm entered into force on January 3, 2022. saopaulosao.com.br · revistaempreende.com.br · dicaappdodia.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The NR-17 regulation establishes guidelines to adapt working conditions to the psychophysiological characteristics of workers. saopaulosao.com.br · revistaempreende.com.br · dicaappdodia.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] In 2025, Brazil recorded over 546,000 work leaves related to mental disorders, a 15% increase from the previous year. www.cofen.gov.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] The NR-17 norm was last modified by Ordinance MTP No. 4.219 in December 2022. saopaulosao.com.br · revistaempreende.com.br · dicaappdodia.com