Ethical-organizational challenges and the repercussions on the health of federal higher education institution employees.

Federal institutions of higher education play an essential role in academic training, research production, and the development of outreach activities, requiring intense interaction between professors, students, and administrative staff. However, these environments face ethical-organizational challenges that significantly affect the physical and mental health of employees. To this end, this review analyzed the literature on ethical-organizational challenges faced by these institutions and their relationship with employee health and illness. A systematic review of studies published between 2010 and 2024 was conducted, including studies that specifically addressed the relationship between ethical-organizational challenges and health in the context of federal institutions of higher education. The main challenges included work overload, pressure for academic productivity, moral harassment, lack of institutional support, and lack of transparency in management. These conditions increase stress, burnout, and mental disorders among employees. However, organizational practices that promote ethics, equity, and professional appreciation contribute to greater engagement and better occupational health conditions. The findings highlight the need to strengthen organizational ethics, train managers, implement effective codes of conduct, and adopt inclusive institutional policies, suggesting that more equitable and sustainable work environments can minimize negative effects on worker health.