Poor mental health is one of the most common issues that leads to workplace absence in the UK, with research showing that almost half of the workforce has experienced a mental health problem in their current job.
Not only do mental health issues negatively affect the lives of workers, but they also impact businesses financially through hidden costs like employee absences, presenteeism and staff turnover. This is why Mental Health First Aid training will always be a worthwhile investment for your business.
Do companies need a mental health first aider?
While there is no legal requirement to have a Mental Health First Aider in your workplace, HSE mental health guidance states that employers have a duty to protect their employees from stress at work by putting appropriate provisions in place.
Mental health should be treated in a similar manner to physical health in the workplace, and employers should conduct risk assessments and take actions to provide a safe working environment for employees. A trained Mental Health First Aider makes your business a safer and happier place to work.
What are the benefits of good mental health in the workplace?
Research shows that having a trained Mental Health First Aider in your business has the following benefits:
- It raises awareness of mental illnesses and poor mental health for all employees
- Gives your employees the confidence to respond to mental illnesses in their peers
- Reduces the stigma that exists around talking about poor mental health
Actively promoting employee wellbeing in the workplace leads to increased productivity and morale, and reduces absences, turnover and presenteeism (employees who show up but aren’t working at their best due to sickness or poor mental health).
The importance of Mental Health First Aid Champions
Mental Health First Aid Champions make your business a better place to work by raising awareness of mental illnesses and directing your employees to the resources they can use to get help. This improves employee morale and will save your business money in the long term.
Read our other blogs for more information on first aid or contact us for further advice and information on our courses.
About the author:
Jo Stokes is a writer, marketer and trained first aider at Safety First Aid.