MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID IN THE WORKPLACE
Anxiety and depression are the cause of six million lost working days each year in Australia, resulting in 12 million days worth of reduced productivity, according to the Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA).
No doubt, you’re already thinking about how you can create a mentally healthy workplace.
You are not alone; more and more workplaces are realizing the impact of mental health problems at work on their people, culture and productivity.
MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS ARE COMMON IN THE WORKPLACE
Mental health problems are common in the workplace and the symptoms can affect performance, e.g. due to problems with concentration, memory, decision-making and motivation. While some people with mental health problems manage their symptoms without impact on their work performance, others may require short-term or ongoing workplace supports.
Most people with mental health problems who receive treatment respond with improved work performance. Investing time and support to retain an experienced and skilled employee with a mental health problem is usually more cost-effective than recruiting and training a new person.
MENTALLY HEALTHY WORKPLACES
A mentally healthy workplace is one that:
- Promotes a positive workplace culture
- Minimises workplace risks related to mental health
- Supports people with mental health problems appropriately
- Prevents discrimination.
Employers have a legal responsibility to their employees to provide a safe and healthy working environment that does not cause a mental illness or worsen an existing one.
WHY IS THIS COURSE RELEVANT FOR YOUR WORKPLACE?
There are a number of reasons why this Mental Health First Aid course is relevant for your workplace.
Firstly, mental health problems are common in the workplace and tend to affect people during their prime working years.
Secondly, mental health problems can have a significant impact on productivity and can affect a person’s ability to work when left untreated.
Thirdly, many people in the workforce fail to seek appropriate professional help.
Finally, co-workers and supervisors are in a good position to pick up on the early signs and symptoms of a mental health problem in a work colleague.
Providing mental health first aid when a worker is showing the early signs and symptoms of a mental health problem is important, as it can assist the person to return to their usual performance quickly. Failing to do so can lead to the problem worsening or a crisis emerging.
Encouraging early help-seeking is one way to promote a mentally healthy workplace. This is where Mental Health First Aid can help. Let’s have a chat as to how I can support you towards a work environment where Mental Health is no longer a stigma and employees feel safe and encouraged to talk about it and find common ground between management and workforce.
