The value of mental health first aid in the workplace
The value of mental health first aid in the workplace
Written by: Paula Antalffy | 1-2 minute read
Mental health, as we know, is an integral part of overall well-being, and its significance is being increasingly recognised in the workplace.
The demands and pressures of life and work take their toll on our mental health, and organisations now play a vital part in providing support and resources to help employees manage this effectively.
Mental health first aid in the workplace provides both practical and emotional support to individuals who may be experiencing mental health issues, and also helps employees to be proactive about preventing their own mental health problems.
One of the most significant benefits of mental health first aid resources in the workplace is that they help to reduce the stigma around mental health issues. Many people are hesitant to talk about their mental health struggles for fear of being judged or stigmatized. Openly discussing the availability and importance of mental health first aid resources creates a supportive environment which can help to eliminate the fear of judgment. By reducing the stigma around mental health issues, mental health first aid resources encourage individuals to seek help when they need it, which can prevent more serious mental health issues from developing.
Another important benefit of mental health first aid resources in the workplace is that they help to identify mental health issues early. Mental health first aiders are trained to recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues and to provide initial support to individuals who may be experiencing problems. This early intervention can help to prevent more serious mental health issues from developing, and can improve the chances of successful treatment.
The availability of mental health first aid resources also provides employees with the tools and knowledge they need to preventatively manage their mental health effectively. In the case of MyDay, our clinically moderated in-app support groups give users direct access to trained mental health first aiders, whilst our knowledge centre and brand partners offer information and resources for users to access as and when they need it.
From the business perspective, providing mental health first aid resources will improve productivity and employee retention. Because mental health issues can have a significant impact on an individual's work performance, leading to absenteeism, presenteeism, and increased staff turnover, providing access to mental health first aid resources and support will work to reduce the impact of mental health issues on overall productivity.
By creating a workplace culture that prioritizes mental health and well-being, and demonstrating a commitment to mental health support by providing access to resources, organisations can foster a culture of openness and care around mental health issues.
This in turn creates a more positive and healthy workplace environment, which improves morale, job satisfaction, employee engagement, productivity and ultimately, profitability and growth.
If you would like to learn more about MyDay and how we can deliver your wellness and ESG initiatives, reach out to schedule time for a call.
Other Blogs
