Should Mental Health First Aid be mandatory?

Mental health is an integral part of our overall wellbeing. Understanding and maintaining good mental health can help us lead fulfilling lives, both personally and professionally. We aim to provide insightful tips and information on mental health first aid and its importance in the workplace.

1 in 4 UK employees have a medical diagnosis for a mental health condition, however, only 13% of employees feel comfortable talking about their mental health to their employer. With so many people not being open or willing to talk about their mental health, whether that is due to the stigma or not feeling comfortable, it shows that there is still a long way to go to make mental health a normal conversation. Especially as mental health sick days costs UK employers up to £56 billion a year.

What is Mental Health First Aid?

In short, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a training that teaches individuals how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. It is crucial because it equips people with the skills needed to support someone experiencing a mental health crisis, thereby promoting a healthier, more supportive environment.

Mental health first aid is not a first aid course in the traditional sense of first aid, however, a mental health first aider is someone who can support someone who is in crisis, be there to listen, reassure and guide them to an appropriate medical professional, such as a GP, therapist or counsellor.

What does the law say?

Currently, there is no legal requirement for organisations to have qualified mental health first aiders. However, organisations are encouraged to treat mental health in the same way that they treat physical health.

Organisations must follow the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), organisations have a legal responsibility to ensure the health and safety of their employees, which does include their mental health. Laws may vary by region, but many require organisations to provide a certain level of support for mental health issues. It's important for employers to be aware of these requirements to ensure compliance and foster a supportive work environment.

Should Mental Health First Aid be mandatory?

In short, yes. While not legally mandatory in the UK, making MHFA training a standard part of workplace policies could greatly benefit both individuals and organisations. It demonstrates a commitment to individuals wellbeing and can help mitigate potential legal issues related to mental health support.

What can employers do?

Organisations can take several steps to support mental health in the workplace:

• Offer the mental health first aid at work course to individuals
• Create a culture of openness where individuals feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns
• Provide access to mental health resources and support services
• Encourage work-life balance to reduce stress and burnout

Our PEAK PERFORMANCE programme includes a comprehensive mental health first aid at work course that can be instrumental in creating a supportive workplace environment.

What are the effects of mental health sickness on businesses?

Untreated mental health sickness can have detrimental effects on organisations. It can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, higher turnover rates, and strained workplace relationships. Individuals struggling with mental health issues may find it challenging to focus, collaborate effectively, and/or meet deadlines. This can impact overall team morale and hinder the organisations success. By promoting mental health awareness, providing support resources, and promoting a culture of understanding, organisations can help mitigate these effects and create a more positive and productive work environment.

Mental health issues can have significant impacts on organisations, including:

• Increase cost in absenteeism to £51 billion annually
• Increase cost in presenteeism to £24 billion annually
• Higher individual’s burnout risen to 37%
• Potential legal liabilities
• Decreased in individual’s morale and retention

How can Health Assured help?

Health Assured offers a range of services designed to support your people’s mental wellbeing in the workplace:

• Access to professional counsellors for employees in need
• An award-winning user-friendly mental health app providing mental health resources and tools
• Early intervention solutions to address issues before they escalate
• Dedicated training courses including MHFA and Financial Wellbeing

Conclusion

It is evident that making Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) mandatory is key in addressing mental health issues effectively. By ensuring that individuals receive proper training and support to identify and assist those experiencing mental health challenges, we can create a more compassionate and understanding society. Implementing mandatory Mental Health First Aid can help reduce the stigma around mental health, increase early intervention, and ultimately save lives. It is a proactive step towards promoting mental wellbeing and creating a supportive environment for those in need.

Maintaining good mental and emotional health requires a combination of self-care practices and awareness of when to seek professional help. Implementing these strategies can lead to a healthier, more balanced life.

If you would like to discuss how Health Assured can assist you in providing the support your people want and need, please speak to one of our Wellbeing Consultants on 0800 206 2552.