Mental health remains a taboo topic in job interviews, according to Infojobs research.

Mental health has gained traction in the corporate world in recent years, but it still remains taboo during one of the most important moments in professional life: job interviews. Data from a September survey by Infojobs (with over 600 people) reveals that only 21% of candidates have ever addressed the topic during the interview process—and many regret it.

The survey shows that, among those who brought up the subject, 5% said they regretted it, and another 15% admitted they would have liked to talk about it but avoided it for fear of harming their chances of being hired. Despite the relevance of the topic in a country experiencing high rates of stress, anxiety, and depression, most prefer silence.

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For Ana Paula Prado, CEO of Redarbor Brasil, which owns Infojobs, this behavior may be linked to a lack of psychological safety in the workplace. "The history of many companies being unresponsive to dialogue, support, and acceptance regarding mental health still reverberates in interviews today. Many professionals fear being seen as less productive or unsuitable for the position," the CEO analyzes.

This fear connects to previous data from Infojobs: in 2022, 60% of professionals reported not feeling psychologically safe in their current companies. This past experience directly impacts how candidates behave today when competing for new opportunities.

The consequence is a lack of identification with the environment. By remaining silent about their needs and expectations, professionals enter new jobs without aligning fundamental aspects for their quality of life and performance. This can result in frustration, absence, and even early termination.

Ana Paula emphasizes that companies also lose out when the topic is treated as taboo. "When mental health is a consideration in hiring, everyone is disadvantaged. However, when a company builds a safe environment for this dialogue, it differentiates itself and attracts talent, especially from younger generations, who seek inclusive, healthy spaces aligned with their values," she points out.

The survey also shows that 74% of respondents believe it is essential for organizations to promote mental health initiatives. This data reveals a paradox: professionals avoid discussing the topic, but expect companies to take a clear and welcoming stance on it.

According to Ana Paula, breaking this cycle requires effort from both sides. For companies, the solution may lie in simple initiatives, such as explicitly including mental health policies in job posting materials or mentioning the topic in interviews. Candidates should also observe the organizational culture and assess whether mental health is among the company's pillars of care.

Little by little, barriers are beginning to be broken down. Companies are now more open to the topic, and professionals are more aware of the importance of psychological care in the workplace. The warning, however, remains valid: as long as there remains a fear of treating mental health as a natural part of professional life, the construction of truly healthy and inclusive environments will remain incomplete.