English 
Spanish 
6 min read 
1 comments 
Petrobras has decreed the end of home office, but an employee went viral after exposing the negative impacts of the decision! She was moved and revealed that the change is already affecting her health, causing stress and reducing her productivity.
O end of home office at Petrobras and the worship of the hybrid model generated a series of reactions among the company's employees, especially among those who consider the negative impacts of this change.
The company's decision to require employees to return to work on certain days was publicly questioned by an employee, who went viral on social media after expressing her concerns in an open letter.
The letter, read by occupational safety technician Luciana Frontin, quickly went viral.
- State adopts concrete and highway duplication reaches 46% of completed works; material lasts twice as long as traditional asphalt
- Study shows that Brazilian asphalt is one of the worst in the world
- End of labor shortage in agriculture: China to create 'human robot' capable of working as a farmer
- Government proposes exemption from electricity bills for 16 million low-income Brazilians
In a video shared by the Rio de Janeiro State Oil Workers Union (Sindipetro-RJ), Luciana's outburst has already been viewed more than 286 thousand times on Instagram and hundreds of supportive and critical comments.
In the video, Luciana details how the new work format, which requires physical presence three times a week, is directly affecting her mental health and productivity at work.
According to Luciana, who has worked at Petrobras for 17 years, the impact of returning to in-person work is generating a series of problems.
“The simple idea of having to return to three days of in-person classes is already making me worried, increasing my stress levels and affecting my health,” she said, with visible apprehension.
She reports that, with the expectation of returning to the physical environment, the level of anxiety intensified to the point of causing physical symptoms, something she had never experienced during the long years of her career at the company.
Impact on health and work-life balance
The employee is concerned not only about her mental health, but also about the impact of this change on her work-life balance.
“I need a work environment that is compatible with my needs, so I can continue to produce in a healthy way”, explains Luciana, who believes that the flexibility of working from home was essential to maintaining well-being while balancing work and personal care.
According to Luciana, the measure not only has harmful effects on her health, but also affects her productivity.
“This decision doesn’t make sense to us, as the hybrid model has already proven to be effective. We need to be heard before they make a definitive decision about the end of home office,” argues Luciana.
Feeling of increasing anxiety
The security employee also comments on the growing anxiety among Petrobras workers, a reflection of the insecurity generated by the new requirement.
She explains that she has never experienced such a feeling in her entire 17-year career. and questions the need to sacrifice her physical and emotional health for a measure that, according to her, does not bring clear benefits to employees.
In her appeal, Luciana asks Petrobras' Executive Board to take into account the real needs of workers, suggesting that the transition to in-person work be done in a more gradual and negotiated manner.
She also highlights the importance of a work environment that respects the diversity of employees' realities, including the demands of single mothers and other vulnerable groups.
“I ask that the company evaluate alternatives for transitioning to in-person work, taking into account the needs of people like me and so many others, who are being negatively impacted by this change,” requests Luciana.
Petrobras guidelines on well-being and health
According to Petrobras' Values Charter, which governs the company's guidelines regarding the well-being of its employees, it is the responsibility of leadership to provide a healthy work environment, respecting the mental and physical health of employees.
Luciana, therefore, draws on these guidelines in her appeal.
“Petrobras’ Values Charter emphasizes that managers must demonstrate empathy, promote well-being and ensure that employees’ opinions are heard”, she recalls, citing excerpts from the document that, according to her, should be followed more in practice.
In her letter, Luciana respectfully requests that her message be delivered to director Clarice, responsible for the company's well-being area.
It reinforces its commitment to collaborate constructively to find solutions that meet the needs of both Petrobras and its employees.
“I am willing to participate in conciliatory discussions so that we can find a balance between the company’s demands and everyone’s well-being,” concludes Luciana.
Impact on social networks
The video featuring Luciana Frontin's outburst generated a huge movement on social media, with many other Petrobras workers sharing similar experiences.
The wave of support also brought to light a reflection on the consequences of the end of home office for the mental health of employees throughout Brazil.
Employees from various areas of the public and private sectors have spoken out about the impact of the mandatory return to in-person work, highlighting the importance of flexibility at work.
The Oil Workers Union of the State of Rio de Janeiro, who shared Luciana's video, has also positioned himself against Petrobras' decision.
According to the union, “the measure taken by the company does not take into account the health and well-being needs of workers, in addition to compromising the quality of life of many families”.
What the experts say
Mental health and human resources management experts warn of the risks of forcing a hasty return to in-person work.
Research shows that home office, when well implemented, has been effective in increasing productivity and reducing stress.
For many professionals, especially those with children or family responsibilities, working from home has become an essential alternative to balancing personal and professional demands.
With the pandemic, many companies adopted home office as an emergency measure, but for a large portion of workers, the hybrid model (in-person and remote) proved to be not only viable, but essential to ensure general well-being.
However, returning to in-person work, even if partial, has been a challenge for many.
The future of work at Petrobras
Petrobras' decision to return to a three-days-a-week in-person model may be just one of many changes that Brazilian companies will have to face in the coming years.
With the impact of the pandemic still being felt in many areas, the future of work in Brazil will likely continue to be shaped by discussions about flexibility, mental health and the pursuit of a work-life balance.
Meanwhile, the repercussions of Luciana Frontin's case highlight the importance of listening to employees and seeking alternatives that meet the needs of everyone involved.
Will Petrobras reconsider its stance and adopt a more flexible model that preserves the health and well-being of its employees? Time will tell.
Having 2 more jobs, she likes it, that's why she's stressed, claiming that she takes care of her children. She has to respect it, come back or give up the job. There are many people who want this job in a company like this, earning well, it even seems like a joke. She has to work within the company, she doesn't want to lose her other jobs. Choose the one you prefer.