What is it and why it is important in the workplace.
In the UK, mental health issues such as stress, depression and anxiety account for almost 70 million sick days per year1 – the most of any health condition. This costs the economy between £70 billion and £100 billion per year2. The annual cost of underperformance at work due to mental ill-health is £15.1 billion, or £605 per employee3.
What actions can businesses take to help reduce these issues?
The provision of mental health first aid (MHFA) training to employees is a good place to start. MHFA training empowers employees to notice the signs of mental ill health, then equips them to support their own and others’ wellbeing. The training encourages people to break down barriers and listen in a non-judgemental way and provides clear signposts to support for recovery. Sangha offers a two-day MHFA course that is designed for everyone. During the course, participants are taken on a journey to understand what mental health is and how, like physical health, it impacts everyone. Participants are then given some simple tools to help support themselves and others.
Simple actions will have a lasting impact
In a 2018 study conducted by Melbourne University, which looked at the impact of MHFA training on 5,936 participants, the positive effects were present up to 6 months after training had taken place4. These outcomes, highlighted in MHFA England’s recent Impact Report, show that those trained are better informed and feel more confident to recognise and help themselves and others.
Key statistics
- 1-in-6.8 or 14.7% of people experience mental health problems in the workplace
- 12.7% of all sickness absence days in the UK can be attributed to mental health conditions
REFERENCES:
1) Deloitte. Mental Health and Wellbeing in Employment. 2017. Sourced from..
2) Deloitte. Mental Health and Wellbeing in Employment. 2017. Sourced from.
3) Deloitte. Mental Health and Wellbeing in Employment. 2017. Sourced from.
4) Morgan AJ, Ross A, Reavley NJ. Systematic review and meta-analysis of Mental Health First Aid training: Effects on knowledge, stigma, and helping behaviour. 2018. Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne. Sourced from