5 Surprising Benefits of Online Mental Health First Aid Training
Mental health is just as important as physical health, especially in the workplace. With 1 in 4 people experiencing a mental health problem in any given year, businesses are turning to Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to equip employees with the skills to support colleagues and themselves to foster a mentally healthy work environment.
By not prioritising employee wellbeing, businesses feel the consequences. In a survey by Deloitte, it was found that poor mental health costs employers in the UK an estimated £42 billion to £45 billion annually.
It’s therefore unsurprising that companies are increasingly recognising the vital role training has to play in creating an engaged and positive work environment. Here are just five of the many benefits our fully accredited mental health training can benefit both employees and employers.
1. Building Employee Emotional Resilience
Training helps employees identify stress triggers, understand the impact of mental health on performance, and learn healthy coping mechanisms. Learning coping strategies and stress management techniques empowers staff to take proactive steps towards maintaining their mental well-being.
2. Increased Productivity
Studies show that employees with access to mental health resources are less likely to miss work due to mental health-related issues. This results in increased productivity, reduced costs associated with absenteeism, and improved employee engagement.
3. Positive Workplace Culture
Mental health training helps to challenge the stigma that surrounds mental illness. Encouraging open conversations, helps employees to feel more comfortable to seek help when needed, leading to faster recovery, reduced absences and increases staff retention. A supportive work environment fosters trust and improves colleague relations, leading to greater employee satisfaction and productivity.
4. Enhanced Employee Retention
Employees who feel valued and supported by their employers are likelier to stay with the company. Investing in mental health training demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being, fostering loyalty, improving team dynamics and reducing turnover costs.
5. Enhanced Employer Brand
Investing in mental health initiatives positions your company as a progressive and caring employer, attracting top talent and fostering employee loyalty.
A survey by Deloitte found that poor mental health cost the workplace a huge £52 billion in 2021, a 25% rise compared to 2019.
Higher staff turnover is a main contributing factor. 28% of employees had either left or had planned to leave their job in 2021/2, with a huge 61% stating this was driven by their poor mental health.
What does this poor mental at work look like? Deloitte director Elizabeth Hampson explains resignations are triggered by burnout, long hours, increased stress and job insecurity.
With this in mind, it’s unsurprising that companies increasingly recognise the vital role training has to play in creating an engaged and positive work environment, which in turn leads to higher job satisfaction and productivity resulting in lower staff turnover. In this resource, we’ve highlighted the main benefits of a mental health training programme to both staff and employers.
Ready to take the next step? Join an accredited online Mental Health First Aid course today and start making a difference!
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