On the occasion of April 28 and May 1, we talk to Sergi Bota, director of the People Area of Suara Cooperativa, about the relationship between well-being and work, and initiatives such as Benestarum that can help transform the world of work and make it healthier.
Why is it so urgent to talk about occupational health today?
It is an issue that affects us all, inside and outside Suara Cooperativa. We live in a social and economic context marked by emotional exhaustion, which translates into an increase in sick leave, especially due to mental health problems. People reach unsustainable limits and this has consequences for everyone. Taking care of the people who are part of the organization is not a luxury, but a necessity.
For Suara Cooperativa, taking care of working people is essential. Is it so necessary to take care of the working person?
At Suara Cooperativa we work to support people, especially those in vulnerable situations, so we ensure their well-being and take care of them. However, for us, care goes beyond the person being cared for and is at the center of our action. Therefore, taking care of the working person is recognizing their value, their dedication and the impact they have on the lives of other people.
How is Suara Cooperativa involved?
With specific projects. Benestarum is a good example. It was born in the context of the pandemic to offer psychological and physiotherapeutic support to working people, but the project has grown and is now a comprehensive well-being platform, which promotes the well-being of Suara professionals. It is not just about physical or mental health, but a broad proposal that integrates different dimensions of a person's well-being such as emotional, physical, nutritional and financial to provide support in issues such as public aid, energy support, etc.
How has it been accepted among working people?
The response from workers has been very positive. We have already done more than 2,600 sessions and 75% of the people treated feel more cared for by the cooperative. As a result of its good results, we are also offering this service to other companies
Is it a space only for people who have difficulties?
No, on the contrary. It also serves to prevent, to maintain balance, to take care of ourselves in our day-to-day lives. We don't have to wait for something to go wrong to ask for help or take a step towards well-being. Prevention is key.
Do you have other tools to ensure the well-being of workers?
Through the “Deixa’t Cuidar” program, we offer sessions with a physiotherapist. In addition, workers who may have symptoms such as stress, anxiety or who are simply looking for a moment of calm and relaxation can attend the immersive mindfulness sessions, which are also offered free of charge.
How does all this fit with our cooperative model?
Perfectly. At Suara Cooperativa we put people at the center and, this is a reality, not just a statement. Our participatory model, care and support are part of our way of doing things. And this commitment is also made clear by taking care of those who work there. It is part of Suara's cultural and organizational transformation strategy that ensures spaces for emotional care and psychological support, flexibility and reconciliation, occupational health measures and promotion of healthy habits, community activities, etc. In short, a space where professionals feel cared for and listened to.
This Monday was the International Day for Safety and Health at Work and tomorrow is May 1st, do you think more policies are needed to ensure health and well-being in the workplace?
The prevalence of common work absences, not due to accidents or occupational diseases, was 19.9 per 1,000 inhabitants in 2012. A figure that has skyrocketed to 53.3 per 1,000 inhabitants in 2024, according to data from the Ministry of Social Security. On the other hand, the WHO warns that a quarter of the world's population will suffer from a mental disorder. We need to put care at the center of our societies to improve people's health. For this reason, the involvement of companies is essential and that they are a key player in the care and well-being of workers. From the cooperative world, we are very clear about this.
