How Mental Health Training supports Employees and Employers

First Aid training is required by law at most workplaces and has been for a number of years, with the importance of having these life-saving skills widely acknowledged, but Mental Health First Aid training is becoming increasingly present across the UK.

Supporting employees who may be struggling with their mental health, and bringing in practices that protect your team’s mental wellbeing can not only improve morale but also productivity within the business.

Promoting a Supportive and Inclusive Workplace Culture

Mental health training equips employees and managers with the knowledge to recognise and address mental health issues. By increasing awareness and understanding, mental health training:

• Destigmatise mental health discussions: Employees feel more comfortable speaking up about their struggles without fear of judgement, knowing that their workplace values mental well-being.
• Fosters a culture of empathy: Training encourages employees to develop emotional intelligence, increasing their ability to understand and support colleagues going through difficult times. A supportive culture reduces feelings of isolation.
• Promotes inclusivity: People with mental health challenges are less likely to face discrimination when mental health education is integrated into the company’s ethos.
• By normalising mental health conversations, companies create an environment where employees feel valued and supported, which has a positive effect on both morale and team cohesion.

Boosting Employee Productivity

Poor mental health is one of the leading causes of absenteeism and presenteeism (where employees are physically at work but not fully engaged). Mental health training can help tackle these issues head-on:

• Reducing absenteeism: Employees who feel mentally supported are less likely to take extended time off due to stress, anxiety, or burnout. With early intervention strategies taught in training, problems can be addressed before they escalate into serious health concerns.
• Improving focus and engagement: Mental health training can offer employees tools to manage stress and anxiety, helping them stay focused and productive throughout the day. Employees who are mentally well are more likely to be motivated, innovative, and committed to their work.
• Enhancing resilience: Training can help employees develop coping mechanisms to handle work-related stress, preventing the onset of burnout. Resilient employees are better equipped to face challenges and maintain high levels of performance, even during periods of change or pressure.

Empowering Managers to Lead with Compassion

Managers play a key role in setting the tone for workplace culture. Mental health training for leaders provides them with the skills to create a supportive environment for their teams:

• Recognising early signs of distress: Trained managers can identify warning signs of stress, anxiety, or other mental health challenges in their team members. Early intervention can prevent issues from escalating.
• Providing appropriate support: Training equips managers with strategies to approach sensitive conversations, offer support, and direct employees to professional resources if necessary. This can create a sense of safety and trust within the team.
• Maintaining work-life balance: Managers who are trained in mental health are more likely to promote healthy work-life balance practices, such as flexible working hours or encouraging employees to take breaks. This prevents burnout and fosters long-term productivity.

Creating a Positive Feedback Loop for Growth

A workplace that invests in mental health training creates a positive feedback loop:
Improved employee retention: Employees who feel supported and understood are more likely to stay with a company long-term. This reduces the high costs of turnover and helps maintain organisational knowledge.
Attracting top talent: In the competitive UK job market, businesses that emphasise mental health and well-being are more attractive to potential employees, particularly younger generations who value workplace culture as much as salary.
Enhanced reputation: Companies that invest in mental health training demonstrate corporate social responsibility, boosting their brand reputation and increasing employee loyalty.

Reducing Costs Related to Mental Health Issues

Mental health problems cost UK employers over £56 billion per year, according to research from Deloitte. This includes costs related to absenteeism, presenteeism, and staff turnover. By investing in mental health training, businesses can significantly reduce these costs:

• Presenteeism reduction: By addressing mental health issues early, training can prevent presenteeism, where employees are at work but not fully functioning due to mental distress.
• Decreasing healthcare costs: Proactive mental health initiatives, including training, can reduce the need for medical interventions and costly treatments for stress-related illnesses.

Imperative Training Mental Health First Aid courses

Imperative Training offers two bespoke Mental Health First Aid courses to businesses across the UK. Our full day and half day Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace courses offer an accredited qualification to employees and equips learners with skills to recognise and protect mental health.

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