Mental Health First Aid at Work
How mental health affects the workplace
Financially
Around 63 million working days are lost each year due to mental ill-health (CBI)
The cost of reduced productivity whilst in work due to mental ill-health estimated at £15 billion per year (Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health)
Managerially
- 76% of line managers are aware they have managed at least one person with mental ill-health
- Only 13% of managers have received training on mental health awareness
- Many employers have no policy on handling mental ill-health
- Line managers need the skills to recognise mental ill-health among their staff and facilitate a return to work
- All staff need to be equipped with the skills to handle work-related stress to improve productivity and reduce absence
- 85% of employers who take on staff with mental health problems did not regret doing so (RCPsych, 2008)
- Employees who work with others (colleagues or customers/clients) who have mental health problems will be able to perform their role more effectively if they are trained in Mental Health First Aid.
- Staying in work during a period of mental ill health can aid recovery and prevent absence, for some employees
Legally
Under Health and Safety at Work and Disability Discrimination legislation employers have a legal responsibility with regard to their employees' mental health
see www.hse.gov.uk and www.shift.org.uk/employers
- The Benefits of Work and Good Mental Health for the Labour Market
- Being out of work is associated with poor mental health, increased likelihood of anxiety and depression, and increased use of medication
- Being in work generally leads to good mental health, self-esteem and well-being
- When people return to work their mental health and well-being generally improves
- Although work can pose a risk to mental health, the positive effects far outweigh the risks
People with mental health problems attach a high priority to work, and work has the potential to be part of the recovery process
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Funded by the Big Lottery Fund and as Part of the New Leaf New Life Portfolio
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