Why is mental health in the workplace important?
Mental health issues are common. Nearly 1 in 5 adults in England reported experiencing symptoms of common mental health issues (such as anxiety, depression and panic) in the previous week1.
Supporting mental health in the workplace is not just a corporate responsibility; staff who have positive mental health are more productive and businesses who promote a progressive approach to mental health can see a significant impact on business performance, so it’s about good business too2.
Key facts
FACT 1
Stress, anxiety and depression are the biggest cause of sickness absence.3
FACT 2
Costs to employers of mental health issues at work come to £34.9 billion for the 2016/17 financial year.4
FACT 3
£395 is the average cost of mental health related absence per employee per year.4
FACT 4
Presenteeism (reduced productivity when at work) accounts for two times the costs of absences due to mental ill health.4
Mental health courses for the workplace
Mental Health Now offers courses designed to help leaders, managers and employees support better mental health in the workplace.
Mental Health First Aider - 2 day course
Our two day adult MHFA course qualifies you as a Mental Health First Aider. Over the course of the two days, you will learn how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide help on a first aid basis.
MHFA England recommends that 10% of your workforce should be qualified in mental health first aid, putting it on a par with phsyical first aid.
Mental Health Awareness - half-day course
This introductory course is a four hour session designed to raise awareness of mental health. Ideal for managers and senior leaders, it gives particpants an understanding of what mental health is, and how to support someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue.
References
1 McManus, S., Bebbington, P., Jenkins, R., & Brugha, T. (Eds.) (2016). Mental health and wellbeing in England: Adult Psychiatry Morbidity Survey 2014. Leeds: NHS Digital.
2 Dr Justin Varney, National Lead for Adult Health and Wellbeing, Public Health England.
3 Health and Safety Executive (2016). Work-related Stress, Anxiety and Depression statistics in Great Britain.
4 Centre for Mental Health (2017). Mental Health at Work: The business costs ten years on.
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