5 benefits of mental health first aid training in workplaces

1. Improved Mental Health Awareness

Mental health first aid training provides employees with the knowledge and skills to identify the signs and symptoms and early warning signs of a mental health crisis. MHFA courses help create a better understanding of the different mental health issues that exist and the impact they have on individuals. By increasing understanding and awareness of mental health issues, course participants are better equipped to recognise and support their colleagues who may be experiencing mental health challenges.

2. Reduced Stigma Around Mental Health

Mental health first aid training can help to reduce the stigma associated with mental health. It helps to create a more open and accepting workplace culture where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health issues with mental health first aiders without fear of judgement or discrimination. This, in turn, creates a more supportive work environment, which can have a positive impact on employees’ mental health and well-being.

By reducing the stigma around mental health, employees are likely to be open to receiving appropriate professional help and avert or resolve and crisis situation.

3. Improved Work Culture and Productivity

Improved employee mental health is of great benefit to the employee and employer like, improving work culture, productivity, work satisfaction and brand.

Here’s how mental health first aid courses improves workplace culture and productivity:

Increased Engagement: Employees with good mental health are more likely to be productive, engaged, and motivated at work. They are also less likely to experience burnout or absenteeism, which can result in lost productivity for the employer.

Improved Employee Retention: Employees who feel valued and supported by their employer are more likely to stay with the company for longer periods. By investing in mental health initiatives, employers can create a positive workplace culture that fosters loyalty and retention.

Better Collaboration: Employees with good mental health are more likely to work collaboratively and effectively with others. They are also more likely to communicate openly and respectfully, which can lead to improved teamwork and better outcomes for the employer.

Positive Company Culture: A workplace that prioritises employee mental health can create a positive company culture that attracts and retains top talent. It can also improve the company’s reputation as a responsible and caring employer, which can enhance its brand and attract new customers.

During the instructor-led component of a mental health first aid program, MHFA instructors encourage questions and discussions between participants about how mental health can be better supported in a workplace setting, including proactive measures like physical health and first aid strategies.

4. Reduced Absenteeism and Presenteeism

Mental health issues are a leading cause of absenteeism and presenteeism in Australian workplaces.
Absenteeism causes loss of productivity and other potential additional costs to fill the gap of the absent employee.

Presenteeism, on the other hand, refers to the situation where employees are physically present at work, but productivity and effectiveness are compromised due to their mental health condition.

By providing mental health first aid training, employers can help to reduce the impact of mental health issues on their employees and their business. Employees who receive support for mental health issues are more likely to take time off work when they need it and are less likely to work while unwell, reducing the risk of burnout and the associated negative impacts on productivity.

5. Compliance with Work Health and Safety Legislation

Under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws in Australia, employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe and healthy work environment for their employees. As mental health is becoming an increased risk to employee health and safety, this obligation includes ensuring that employees have access to support for mental health issues.

Mental Health First Aid Australia courses can help employers to meet their obligations to provide a safe and healthy work environment by promoting early intervention and prevention of mental health problems, addressing workplace bullying and discrimination, and managing psychological injuries and workers’ compensation claims.

For more information on the employer’s obligations of health and safety pertaining to mental health, visit the Mental Health page at SafeWork Australia.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mental health first aid training is a valuable investment for workplaces in Australia. By providing this training, employers can improve mental health awareness, reduce stigma, support employee mental health, reduce absenteeism and presenteeism, and demonstrate compliance with work health and safety legislation. Mental health is a critical issue and a global movement is arising to combat this very real current crisis.

Employers have a responsibility to provide mental health support to their employees. Mental health first aid training is an effective way to provide this support and promote a positive workplace culture that prioritises the wellbeing of its employees.