Mental health is an important part of overall employee well-being. It’s been proven that a healthy work environment can reduce stress, increase engagement and productivity, and improve workplace morale. The Covid-19 pandemic has made addressing employees’ mental health needs more pressing than ever before.
Mental wellness training helps employers create a more open and supportive workplace. It gives employees tools to take care of their own mental health and teaches them how to spot the signs that a colleague is struggling. It also enables managers to feel confident in tackling nuanced conversations with team members who may be dealing with mental health problems, and it can help improve the culture of an organisation by encouraging open communication and fostering a sense of trust between employees and management. For Mental Health Training Courses, go to www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses
Several studies have assessed the effectiveness of mental health training in improving knowledge and attitudes. However, a variety of evaluation methodologies and different course structures make direct comparisons difficult. To overcome these limitations, the authors of one study compared only those courses that provided an evaluation of the training. They excluded courses targeted to specific subpopulations, for single conditions (e.g. depression), for medical students or specialists and those covering substance abuse.
The most common outcome measured was a change in trainee attitude. Of the 15 courses which did provide a measure of this, 13 reported a significant improvement. Another common measure was a change in clinical practice. Of the 14 courses that reported this, all showed a positive trend and 6 a substantial improvement.
Employees who are struggling with their mental health often experience difficulties at work, which can be a major barrier to accessing the help they need. If left unaddressed, this can lead to low productivity and a lack of focus, as workers struggle to stay engaged in their tasks. In addition, if a worker is absent from work due to an underlying mental health issue, it can cost the company money. The cost of absenteeism, or lost work time due to an ongoing mental health crisis, has been estimated to be many millions a year.
A recent survey found that 80% of employees would leave their job for a company that was more focused on employee mental health. Providing employees with the necessary support and making mental health training available can help companies retain their most valuable talent, while creating a more productive and engaging work environment.
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