A total of 13 companies from Huesca recently gathered at the Viña del Vero facilities in Barbastro to participate in the 9th Working Group on Mental Health, organized by the Adecco Group and its Foundation. The main goal of this meeting was to promote more inclusive and healthy work environments, especially for those diagnosed with mental health issues, helping them find employment and normalize their lives.
During the event, actor and presenter Javi Martín, ambassador for the Adecco Foundation, gave an inspiring speech. Martín, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, shared his personal experience and urged companies to break down the stigma surrounding mental health. He emphasized that a diagnosis does not represent an end, but an opportunity to better understand oneself and move towards self-acceptance and personal growth.
Beatriz Gutiérrez, regional director of the Adecco Foundation in Aragon, opened the meeting by debunking myths about the productivity of people with mental health issues. She stated that, with the necessary support, these individuals could not only reach their full potential, but also bring valuable skills such as resilience and empathy. However, Gutiérrez lamented the alarmingly low unemployment and activity rates for this group, emphasizing the need to promote their employment inclusion.
She also introduced the illustrated guide “Interview well, adapt better: a route to inclusion”, a resource created to help companies generate inclusive job opportunities. This guide provides recommendations on how to conduct tailored interviews and address mental health in the workplace, promoting a more inclusive and understanding culture.
José Ferrer Castillón, managing director of Viñas del Vero, highlighted the relevance of the event in promoting diversity and inclusion as strategic pillars in Huesca companies. He emphasized the importance of creating inclusive workspaces for those with mental health diagnoses, committing to breaking down stigmas and providing the necessary support to integrate them into the workplace.
The day concluded with a debate among the participating companies, discussing how to implement inclusive practices to build a more equitable and prejudice-free future workforce. This event reinforces the commitment of Huesca companies to inclusion and social responsibility, aligning with global trends of diversity and integration in the workforce.
Source: MiMub in Spanish