This Mental Health Awareness training course provides an understanding of what mental health is and healthy strategies to manage it. Trainees will learn techniques to handle worry, anxiety and depression and improve their overall mental health. The course content will also help employers develop a supportive work environment and dismantle the stigma that stops people from seeking help.
Employers will also understand how they can support workers’ wellbeing and avoid the costs associated with poor mental health, including low productivity, high staff turnover and repeated absenteeism.
The training also helps both employers and employees face and manage job-related stress, eliminate the sigma around mental health and create a healthier, more productive workplace.
Surveys have shown that around one in six adults struggle with a common mental disorder, such as anxiety or depression, every week in the UK. Around half of all workers have also reported at least one symptom of burnout. And if current trends continue, the number of people suffering is going to climb.
These widespread disorders are costing employers 17 million sick days every year. And over half of all reported work-related ill health is now caused by stress, anxiety or depression.
The sheer scale of mental health problems is currently costing UK businesses approximately £56 billion each year – the combined cost of presenteeism, absenteeism and staff turnover.
But research has shown that for every £1 spent on support in the workplace, employers save around £5.30 on the costs associated with poor mental health. One of the most effective support measures can be training.
Understanding common problems and learning strategies to overcome them helps people manage their own mental health and support others. Workers who enjoy good mental health show higher levels of job satisfaction, creativity and job performance. Being mental health aware also encourages staff to be more open and understanding with colleagues, which promotes collaboration and more constructive workplace relationships.
Employers who invest in mental health training demonstrate positive values, show employees they care and create happier, healthier and more productive workplaces.
Employers have a moral and legal obligation to support workers and promote good mental health and wellness at work.
Some key responsibilities employers have regarding their workers’ mental well-being include:
- Risk assessment: Employers are required to undertake a thorough risk assessment of their workplaces to identify the potential stressors that can contribute to employees’ poor mental health
- Support: Employers must offer the necessary support to their workers who might be experiencing mental health issues, including counselling, mental health services or other tools
- Training: Employers must provide managers and workers with sufficient mental health information and training – such as this mental health awareness course online – to help individuals manage mental health concerns, identify their symptoms and support co-workers who could be dealing with similar challenges
- Policies: Employers are also required to have effective procedures and policies in place that support workers suffering from mental health issues. This includes making reasonable adjustments in the workplace or offering flexible work schedules
- Communication: Employers should promote open communication between all staff and foster a positive work environment to lessen the stigma associated with mental health conditions
