
Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace
Aug 28, 2024
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What is a Mental Health First Aider?
A Mental Health First Aider is an employee who has undergone training to spot the early signs of mental health issues and provide initial support and guidance to colleagues experiencing problems such as stress, anxiety, depression, or crises like panic attacks or suicidal thoughts. MHFAiders are not therapists or counsellors, but they are trained to listen, reassure, and guide individuals toward appropriate professional help.
Role of a Mental Health First Aider:
Early Identification: MHFAiders are trained to recognise signs of mental ill-health, such as changes in behaviour, mood swings, or withdrawal, and to approach the individual with sensitivity.
Providing Support: They offer non-judgmental listening and support to colleagues, helping them feel heard and understood.
Guidance to Further Help: MHFAiders are equipped to direct individuals to appropriate resources, such as HR, occupational health, or external mental health services like GPs, therapists, or helplines.
Crisis Response: In cases of acute mental health crises, such as someone expressing suicidal thoughts, MHFAiders are trained to provide immediate support and to involve professional services if necessary.
Promoting Mental Health Awareness: MHFAiders often help to raise awareness of mental health issues in the workplace and contribute to fostering a culture where talking about mental health is encouraged and supported.
Training for Mental Health First Aiders:
The MHFA training courses typically involve:
Standard Course: A two-day course that covers a wide range of mental health conditions, equipping participants with skills to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental ill-health.
Lite/Introduction Course: A half-day course that provides an introduction to mental health awareness but doesn’t qualify attendees as MHFAiders.
Upon completion, participants become certified Mental Health First Aiders, but similar to physical first aid, it's recommended that they attend refresher courses to keep their knowledge up-to-date.
Why Should Employers Have Mental Health First Aiders?
Legal and Ethical Considerations:
While not legally required, employers have a duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to protect the physical and mental wellbeing of their employees.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 also requires employers to assess and manage risks to employees' health, which includes mental health.
Workplace Benefits:
Reduced Absenteeism: Mental health issues are a leading cause of workplace absence. Having MHFAiders can help address problems early on, reducing the risk of long-term absenteeism.
Improved Productivity: Supporting mental health can lead to better focus, morale, and productivity among staff.
Better Employee Retention: Employees who feel supported in their mental health are more likely to remain loyal to a company.
Enhanced Reputation: Companies that actively promote mental health initiatives can enhance their reputation as caring and supportive employers.
Creating a Supportive Culture:
MHFAiders can help break down stigma around mental health, creating an environment where employees feel safe to speak up and seek help when needed.
It shows a commitment to employee wellbeing, beyond physical health, and aligns with modern expectations for holistic workplace support.
How Many Mental Health First Aiders Should a Company Have?
There is no set formula, but factors to consider include:
Size of the Workforce: Larger companies may need more MHFAiders to ensure adequate support across departments or locations.
Nature of the Work: High-stress or high-pressure industries (e.g., finance, healthcare) might require a greater focus on mental health support.
Workplace Dynamics: Organisations with shift work or high staff turnover may need to ensure coverage at all times, similar to physical first aiders.
A good starting point is to have at least one Mental Health First Aider per workplace, with more added based on the specific needs identified in a mental health risk assessment.
How MHFAiders Fit Into a Broader Mental Health Strategy:
Complementary Role: Mental Health First Aiders should be part of a broader mental health strategy that includes access to Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), counselling services, mental health awareness campaigns, and clear policies on stress management and reasonable adjustments for those with mental health conditions.
Leadership Involvement: Senior management should be involved in mental health initiatives, supporting a top-down approach to wellbeing.
Regular Review: Just as with physical first aid, mental health provisions should be regularly reviewed and adapted to meet the changing needs of the workforce.
Summary:
While having MHFAiders in the workplace is not legally required (at the moment), it is increasingly seen as best practice.
MHFAiders provide essential support, helping to create a workplace culture that prioritises both physical and mental wellbeing.
The number of MHFAiders should be proportionate to the size of the workforce and the specific mental health risks identified in the workplace.
By training and supporting MHFAiders, companies can take significant steps towards ensuring a healthy, supportive, and productive working environment for all employees.