Trabalho e saúde mental no contexto de uma metalúrgica no sul do brasil

Abstract

Globalization caused several changes on work context. The constant need for innovation and agility reached also the metallurgical industry, affecting the employee subjectivity and the organization management. The present study aimed to analyze the work organization of a metallurgical industry and the impacts on mental health of its employees. An exploratory and descriptive qualitative research was made with seven employees of an industry in the southern area of Brazil, which has an international certification for work health and safety. The data were collected through a focus group. Data were processed through content analysis with a priori categories, theoretically guided by the psychodynamic approach of work, and afterwards, by the content emerged from the group. The results demonstrated that the studied Work Organization (WO) has specificities such as the “zero boss”, formal absence of a manager in the sectors, providing space for discussion and autonomy for the management of activities. However, many employees have difficulties to adapt to this motion and they suffer in the initial stage, in which some of them leave the organization. It was noticed a coworker “control”, which replaced the manager “control”. Therefore, WO reinforces workers autonomy and on the other hand it promotes an idealization/enthusiasm for the management model. It indicates a need to strengthen genuine spaces of discussion and effective participation.