From taboo to prevention: Generali and the new culture of mental health

There was a time when talking about mental health was almost taboo. Today, October 10^th represents a global opportunity to spotlight a topic that affects everyone, without exception. Mental health has become a pillar of collective well-being, and growing social awareness has paved the way for new prevention and support strategies.

It is no longer just about treatment, but about prevention, listening, and building support networks. Families, schools, companies, and communities are all called to play their part. In this context, businesses can be engines of change, promoting inclusive environments and concrete initiatives.

In this renewed climate of attention, Generali launches the second season of “Crepe” (“Cracks”), the podcast that sheds light on the shadowy areas where those experiencing psychological distress still seek refuge. The new series explores contemporary challenges: social pressure, digital isolation, performance anxiety. These are issues that especially affect younger generations, but concern all of us.

Discover more on the first series

Each episode weaves together real stories and expert insights, offering tools for understanding and paths to resilience. Topics include cyberbullying, loneliness, and how the pandemic exacerbated existing vulnerabilities. Above all, the podcast shows how it is possible to build new strategies for listening and prevention - together.

“A changing world brings new problems, but they lead to widespread distress”, underlines Monica Bastiani, Generali Head of People Care & DEI. “The total isolation caused by the pandemic intensified or revealed vulnerabilities in many of us - especially young people, who during a crucial phase of social development, found themselves without essential relationships and interactions.”

This awareness shapes the new focus of “Crepe,” which, after addressing general psychological disorders last year, now turns its attention to a changing world, digital natives, and the challenges they face.

Generali also promotes awareness through public dialogue. That is why the Group took part in Repubblica’s Festival Salute in Padua, during a roundtable on the new challenges posed by digital life and social change for young people. The second season of “Crepe” was also presented. Experts like Ivano Zoppi (Secretary General of Fondazione Carolina), Valentina Giacalone (founder of an anti-bullying association), and Monica Bastiani shared insights on how to address these emerging forms of distress.

The numbers are clear: according to ISTAT’s 2023 survey “Children and Teens: Behaviors, Attitudes, and Future Plans,” published in June, 68.5% of youth aged 11–19 experienced at least one offensive or violent episode in the past year, and nearly 34% were victims of cyberbullying. In an era where teens spend up to 10 hours a day online, the risk of isolation is higher than ever.

But data alone is not enough - we need a strong educational response. “When it comes to emotions, nothing is virtual: it doesn’t matter if the offense happens behind a screen or in the schoolyard, psychological wounds run deep and must be addressed with the support of competent adults,” emphasizes Zoppi. Educational relationships, dialogue, and adult presence are essential to prevent and address distress.

The Group has made corporate social responsibility one of its four strategic pillars. As a Responsible Employer, Generali is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, offering training opportunities, nurturing talent in all its forms, and implementing flexible and sustainable work models. This commitment includes attention to mental health and psychological well-being.

To strengthen this path, since 2023 Generali has adhered to the Manifesto for psychological well-being in the workplace, which defines mental well-being as an integral part of a broader concept of health - alongside physical, relational, and financial well-being. Central to the Manifesto is the idea that the mental well-being of managers and leaders is the starting point for healthy, inclusive leadership - one that recognizes the person beyond their role and builds relationships that make each individual feel welcomed, valued, and protected in their uniqueness.

Generali reaffirmed its commitment to the Manifesto this year during the Head On event organized by Mindwork. This represents a concrete step toward a corporate culture that puts people at the centre, promoting psychological support services, stress prevention activities, and initiatives for healthy workload management and digital disconnection.

With 87,000 employees worldwide and about 14,000 in Italy, Generali’s goal is to foster mental well-being for all employees in an environment where four generations coexist and interact daily.

“Mental health is a pillar of our sustainability strategy,” says Bastiani. “The well-being of our people is not just an ethical responsibility, but a strategic element for building a sustainable future.”

Overcoming stigma, opening up to dialogue, and building support networks among families, schools, companies, and communities is key to tackling the new challenges of mental health. The “Crepe” podcast, the Manifesto for psychological well-being at work, and the participation in events dedicated to mental health are examples of how Generali aims to be an active part of this change.

The Group’s intent is to break a taboo, shed light on often-avoided topics, and eliminate the stigma that still surrounds these issues and the disorders they cause. It is about opening up to listening and storytelling - at home, with loved ones, and also in the workplace.

“Three years ago, we started talking about well-being, about how the company can help people find balance in a safe and inclusive workplace, where everyone has access to development opportunities and can express their uniqueness because they feel respected,” adds Bastiani. “The goal is to show that, especially in today’s fast-paced and challenging context, it’s important to break isolation and open opportunities for dialogue.”

Mental health is a collective challenge. Only by working together - families, schools, companies, institutions - can we build a healthier, more inclusive, and resilient future. Generali renews its commitment, inviting everyone not to remain indifferent and to do their part.