Beyond the classroom, thinking about well-being

By: Alejandro García Suárez – Advisory Office of Communications

The Girardot branch, in coordination with the Chamber of Commerce and the local Mayor's office, is seeking to analyze how work schedules and stress influence the mental health of those who work in stores and supermarkets. In this sense, the multidisciplinary team of experts, led by professors of Business Administration, Environmental Engineering and Nursing, is carrying out the research that focuses on analyzing the levels of stress, anxiety and depression in merchants and employees of the city, whose objective is to propose alternatives that provide well-being.

Shirley Yohana Buitrago Medellín, Knowledge and Learning Manager for the Nursing program, explains: “We are using tools such as the 'psychosocial risk assessment battery' and the DASS-21 questionnaire to obtain accurate data. Then, we will analyze this information with advanced statistical software.‘.

For his part, Diego Armando Castro Munar, Knowledge and Learning Manager for Business Administration, highlights one initiative: “We will implement the 'Listening Zone ZOE,' a support space for workers experiencing stress and anxiety. We want to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting mental health and decent work.‘.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression and anxiety are estimated to cause the loss of 12 billion workdays annually. In Colombia, between 201% and 331% of workers report high levels of stress.

The University of Cundinamarca is seeking concrete solutions. “We want to improve the well-being of workers and strengthen businesses in Girardot,” says Castro Munar.

In conclusion, the research represents a significant step towards understanding and improving the working conditions that affect the mental health of the municipality's merchants.

By using specialized tools and implementing initiatives such as the 'ZOE Listening Zone', the aim is not only to mitigate stress and anxiety, but also to contribute to the overall well-being of workers and the development of healthier and more productive communities.

As this study progresses, the findings will serve as a basis for creating a more supportive and resilient work environment, aligned with global health and well-being goals.

Addressing mental health in the workplace is an essential component for the region's sustainable growth and the strengthening of its economy.

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