Introduction to the Growing Issue in Mexico’s Automotive Industry
The automotive industry in Mexico is grappling with a rising problem of work-related stress and anxiety, which has become one of the primary challenges for productivity, talent retention, and employee well-being. According to the study “Trends in the Working Environment in the Automotive Industry 2025,” presented by Norma Godínez, Director of Human Resources at Kelly México, four out of ten employees work 48 hours weekly, while three out of ten exceed this limit. This has led to increased exhaustion and psychosocial impacts in manufacturing plants.
Key Findings from the Study
- Work Hours: 40% of employees work 48 hours weekly, and 30% exceed this limit.
- Health Issues: Stress and anxiety have become the leading work-related health issues, surpassing physical injuries and accidents.
- Wellness Programs: Although 70% of companies report having wellness and mental health programs, there is a significant gap between formal policies and the effectiveness of implemented actions.
The study, developed with input from leaders and employees across various automotive companies, highlights that pressure to meet productivity goals, lack of work-life balance, and absence of flexible schemes contribute significantly to employees’ emotional health.
The Importance of Mental Health and Emotional Well-being
Godínez emphasized the importance of mental health and emotional well-being for employees, stating that leaders are recognizing the direct impact of these factors on productivity.
Continuous Learning and New Sources of Stress
The study reveals that 96% of participants believe continuous learning is essential to stay relevant amid technological changes, automation, and AI advancements. However, this constant need for updates has also created new stress sources, particularly for middle management and operational staff adapting to digitalization and new technologies.
Strategies for Mitigating Emotional Wear and Tear
In this context, developing empathetic leaders and implementing disconnect policies are strategies that companies start prioritizing to address emotional exhaustion. Godínez stressed that it’s not just about complying with NOM 035 but adopting a human-centered approach acknowledging employees’ emotional needs.
Cluster Representatives Emphasize Emotional Well-being
During the presentation, representatives from Aguascalientes, Sonora, Querétaro, and La Laguna automotive clusters agreed that emotional well-being should be at the forefront of labor agendas. Eduardo Gajón Gómez, Director of the Advanced Manufacturing and Automotive Cluster of La Laguna, highlighted flexible schemes and empathetic leadership as crucial for improving work-life balance. Meanwhile, Margarita Bejarano Celaya from the Sonora Automotive Cluster announced training and prevention programs focused on mental health and an inclusive culture.
Conclusion
Godínez concluded that, given the pressure from nearshoring, automation, and new work models, emotional well-being should be viewed as a strategic productivity lever rather than merely a labor benefit. “Stress and anxiety today reflect the need for transformation. The key lies in building more human, sustainable, and future-ready organizations,” she stated.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue in Mexico’s automotive industry? The growing problem of work-related stress and anxiety.
- What percentage of employees work more than 48 hours weekly? 30% of employees work more than 48 hours weekly.
- What are the leading work-related health issues in the automotive sector? Stress and anxiety have surpassed physical injuries and accidents as primary concerns.
- What strategies are companies prioritizing to address emotional exhaustion? Developing empathetic leaders and implementing disconnect policies.
