Expanding sector invests in benefits and initiatives to mitigate the challenges of offshore work, highlighting the importance of work-life balance
September is globally recognized as one of the months dedicated to raising awareness about emotional and psychological health. This increasingly relevant topic requires constant reevaluation at both individual and organizational levels. For companies, it is crucial to consider that these issues often extend beyond personal boundaries and into the workplace environment. While many sectors offer attractive salaries and promises of career growth, without measures to ensure a good quality of life and a balance between personal and work life, the career may not be worth it.
With the offshore sector booming, the demand for labor has grown exponentially, expanding job opportunities. However, this activity, often associated with a unique lifestyle, requires more than just technical preparation. „The high salaries in this segment have historically been a strong draw; however, this attractiveness comes with working conditions that require careful evaluation. Even with tempting financial compensations, it is essential to weigh individual limits. Working offshore is much more than a job; it’s a lifestyle,“ explains Glaucia Maciel, HR Director at Seagems, a Brazilian company specializing in subsea engineering solutions.
Evolution in Infrastructure and Benefits
The offshore sector has evolved significantly, particularly in terms of infrastructure and the benefits offered. On today’s vessels, designed with a greater focus on quality of life, employees enjoy comfortable environments, equipped with gyms, game rooms, cable TV, and high-quality food. Additionally, the presence of well-structured infirmaries with trained professionals and helicopters ready for urgent evacuations contributes to employee safety. Communication technology also allows these professionals to stay in touch with their families, reducing the impact of long periods of isolation. However, festive times like Christmas and New Year remain challenging moments for those who cannot be with their families.
Despite various improvements in infrastructure, the reality of offshore work requires personal sacrifices, such as missing important celebrations and relying on weather conditions in case of emergencies. These factors emphasize the importance of close monitoring by companies, promoting regular mental health awareness campaigns, not just during this month.
Seagems, recognized with awards such as Emotional Health Highlight and Healthy Management by Great People Mental Health, leads initiatives focused on the physical and emotional well-being of its employees. Some of the company’s key actions include:
- 24-hour psychological support platform;
- Workshops and lectures focused on raising awareness and preventing mental and emotional disorders;
- Modern infrastructure on vessels to ease isolation;
- Social workers available for support.
Glaucia emphasizes the importance of a close, empathetic, and attentive approach to employees: „We have an ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of our employees, which is why we invest in initiatives for awareness, maintenance, and prevention of any emotional difficulties they may face, even if not all are work-related,“ she explains.
Carlos Chamberelli, occupational physician at Seagems, notes that people aged 20 to 40 often face more difficulties dealing with emotional issues. “Our medical team monitors each case closely, ensuring personalized support for everyone. Daily life in offices and on vessels is marked by a set of strategies to also preserve and care for mental health,” the doctor says.
Daily Life on the Vessels
Michel Vieira, a nurse working on the vessel Ônix, reports that he is often the first contact for employees feeling unwell, explaining that many do not recognize that their symptoms may be emotional crises. „There have been cases where people came to the infirmary due to palpitations and difficulty breathing, thinking they had a heart problem when it was actually an anxiety attack. It’s important to have a sensitive approach to these situations,“ explains the professional.
Like all the company’s nurses, Michel participates in first-aid training focused on emotional health, involving breathing techniques and appropriate crisis approaches. The company also encourages regular physical exercise and a balanced diet through its communications and internal programs, supported by professionals at various units. Additionally, regular psychological counseling, provided as a benefit, is fundamental to ensuring a healthy balance between professional and personal life. Employees are encouraged to use their off-duty days — usually about 14 consecutive days — to reconnect with their families.
All medical appointments conducted on the vessels are documented and reported to the company, allowing health professionals onshore to monitor situations and intervene when necessary.
Michel also notes that the most frequent emotional challenges aboard are often related to personal relationships or unresolved problems before boarding. The awareness that some situations can only be resolved upon returning home can generate significant anxiety among workers. For this reason, the company promotes an environment where colleagues are encouraged to observe and report any behavior changes that may indicate emotional difficulties.
Warning Signs
Seagems’ nurse stresses the importance of identifying warning signs of emotional difficulties, as an anxiety attack can manifest through palpitations, tremors, sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, and nausea. Other symptoms include muscle tension, chills or hot flashes, depersonalization, derealization, or constant fear. Additionally, emotional illnesses like depression require careful attention and individualized treatment.
Focus on Care and Well-being in Management
In 2023, Seagems implemented the Adding by Subtracting program, aimed at streamlining processes to improve productivity and employee quality of life. The program’s philosophy is based on simplifying processes or eliminating unnecessary tasks, optimizing daily routines, and adopting advanced technological solutions, including AI. The program is complemented by the Fiter platform, which measures employee „Happiness Pulse,“ providing personalized analysis of the workplace environment and individual performance.
These initiatives reaffirm the company’s commitment to providing a work environment that values not only performance but also the emotional comfort and well-being of its employees.