What Is NOM-035?

NOM-035-STPS-2018 is a workplace standard established by Mexico’s Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) to help employers identify, evaluate, and prevent psychosocial risk factors in the workplace.

Unlike occupational health regulations that focus primarily on physical safety, NOM-035 recognizes that psychological and social factors also play an important role in employee well-being. High workloads, poor leadership, workplace conflict, traumatic events, lack of role clarity, and chronic stress can all contribute to poor health outcomes and negatively affect organizational performance.

The goal of the standard is not simply to comply with a legal requirement. It encourages employers to create healthier work environments by identifying potential risks early, supporting employees who may need assistance, and continually improving workplace conditions.

Why Was NOM-035 Introduced?

Organizations across the world are placing greater emphasis on mental health and psychological safety in the workplace. Mexico’s introduction of NOM-035 reflects this broader shift toward recognizing that employee well-being extends beyond physical health.

Psychosocial risks can influence almost every aspect of an organization, including employee engagement, productivity, absenteeism, turnover, and overall organizational culture.

Rather than waiting until problems become severe, NOM-035 encourages employers to take a proactive approach by understanding workplace conditions, monitoring employee well-being, and implementing preventive measures where appropriate.

For many organizations, this represents an opportunity to strengthen their overall health and well-being strategy of their company wellness program —not simply satisfy a compliance requirement.

Who Must Comply with NOM-035?

NOM-035 applies to employers operating in Mexico, although specific requirements vary depending on organization size.

Employers are generally expected to:

• Identify psychosocial risk factors.
• Evaluate the work environment.
• Implement preventive actions.
• Provide support for affected employees.
• Monitor and continually improve workplace conditions.

The objective is not simply compliance—it’s creating a healthier, safer workplace.

Why Psychosocial Risk Matters

Psychosocial risks are often less visible than physical health risks, but their impact on employees and organizations can be significant.

High stress levels, burnout, poor work-life balance, and insufficient organizational support can contribute to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, higher healthcare costs, and lower employee engagement.

Employees experiencing these challenges may also be more likely to leave the organization, resulting in increased recruitment and training costs. By identifying these risks early, employers can develop targeted interventions that support both employee well-being and broader business objectives.

How Health Risk Assessments Can Support NOM-035

Although NOM-035 does not require a specific software platform, many employers use digital health assessment solutions to simplify implementation and gain a broader understanding of workforce health.

A scientifically validated Health Risk Assessment (HRA) can help organizations:

• Identify psychosocial and lifestyle risk factors.
• Deliver personalized health insights to employees.
• Understand population health trends through aggregated reporting.
• Support prevention initiatives with measurable data.
• Monitor changes in employee health over time.

When combined with personalized recommendations and ongoing engagement, these insights help organizations move beyond compliance toward a more proactive approach to prevention.

Beyond Compliance: Building a Healthier Workplace

The most successful organizations view NOM-035 as the beginning of a broader conversation about workforce health.

By combining psychosocial risk assessment with wellness education, personalized health recommendations, and ongoing engagement, employers can create healthier workplaces while building stronger organizational resilience.

This approach not only supports compliance efforts but also contributes to improved employee experiences, stronger engagement, and more informed decision-making.

Ultimately, understanding employee health is only valuable if organizations use those insights to create meaningful action.

How Wellness Checkpoint® Can Help

Wellness Checkpoint®, CoreHealth’s scientifically validated Health Risk Assessment, helps organizations identify individual health risks, deliver personalized recommendations, and generate meaningful population health intelligence.

Powered by the CoreHealth platform, Wellness Checkpoint enables organizations to support prevention initiatives through secure, scalable, and evidence-based health assessment technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NOM-035 mandatory?

Yes. NOM-035 applies to employers operating in Mexico, although the specific obligations vary based on the size of the organization.

Does NOM-035 require a health assessment?

No. The regulation does not mandate a specific assessment or software platform. Organizations may choose the tools and processes that best support their compliance efforts.

How can digital wellness technology help?

Digital health assessments can streamline data collection, provide personalized employee feedback, and generate anonymized reporting that supports population health management and ongoing prevention efforts.

Learn More

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Discover how Wellness Checkpoint®, powered by the CoreHealth platform, helps organizations identify health risks, personalize recommendations, and generate actionable population health intelligence.

→ Book a demo and learn more about our Health Risk Assessment.