Friendly Shoulder: A Caring Approach to Mental Health

Caring for people is one of the pillars that support Trombini’s purpose. It was with this commitment in mind that the “Friendly Shoulder” project was created — an initiative designed to prepare employees to identify, support, and guide colleagues who may be experiencing emotional distress.

More than a training program, Friendly Shoulder represents a new perspective on the workplace: more human, empathetic, and prepared to deal with the emotional challenges of everyday life.

What is the Friendly Shoulder project?

Friendly Shoulder is Trombini’s corporate program developed to train mental health first responders among its own employees.

These professionals act as support points within the company’s units, ready to identify signs of emotional distress, provide a welcoming space for listening, and guide colleagues toward appropriate support services.

🎧 Rosemeire Szychta – Trombini Occupational Nurse

How does the program work?

Friendly Shoulder is implemented corporately through a standardized model that covers all Trombini units. The rollout takes place gradually throughout the second half of 2025, ensuring that each location receives the necessary support and training.

All employees are invited to participate. Those who wish to join the project voluntarily undergo comprehensive and practical training, learning how to recognize signs of emotional distress, provide support, and act with empathy and responsibility.

🎧 Silvia Kulak – Trombini Social Development Analyst

Positive impacts on organizational culture

Friendly Shoulder strengthens a culture of support and respect, bringing colleagues closer together and promoting a healthier work environment.

Among the main impacts are:

• Increased empathy among colleagues;
• Greater openness for dialogue about mental health;
• Employee engagement in collective care initiatives;
• Reinforcement of Trombini’s values, which include safety and relationships.

The initiative directly contributes to building a lighter, more productive, and supportive organizational climate, where everyone knows they can rely on one another — literally, like a friendly shoulder.

Voices of support: testimonials from participants

The real-life experiences of employees involved in the program are what truly bring the project to life. Below are some testimonials from participants at the Curitiba (PR) unit who have already completed the training:

💬 Raul Ferreira – Production Coordinator at the Bags Unit

💬 Guilherme Ferreira – Production Assistant at the Bags Unit

💬 Diego Sasso – Operator at the Bags Unit

💬 Claudecir Alves Ferreira – Scrap Assistant at the Paper Unit

Caring for people means caring for the future

Friendly Shoulder puts into practice Trombini’s commitment to the well-being of its employees. By investing in mental health, the company reaffirms its values, recognizing that collective success begins with caring for each individual.