Welcome to our deep dive into an increasingly vital topic—mental health in the workplace. As organisations strive to navigate the complexities of modern work, the well-being of their employees must be a top priority. Recently, I delved into the CIPD’s 2023 report on health and well-being at work, and one key takeaway resonated strongly with me: the critical role of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and effective management in fostering a healthy, productive work environment.

Before founding my own business, I invested heavily in my professional development. I paid for most of my training, including a postgraduate degree in management, while also benefiting from the investment made by larger companies where I worked. These companies often brought in external experts and had dedicated training departments that offered extensive internal courses. I was fortunate to receive this level of training, which equipped me with the tools I needed to support my teams effectively.

However, it’s disheartening to observe that this level of investment in management training has declined in recent years. According to data cited in Jeffrey Pfeffer’s Dying for a Paycheck, the average annual spend on management training has dropped significantly. Companies once invested upwards of £1,500 per manager annually, but today’s figure has fallen to a mere fraction of that—sometimes as low as £300 per manager. This stark decline in investment is having severe consequences, not just for managers but for employees and organisations as a whole.

The CIPD report underscores the urgency of this issue, revealing that 36% of employees have experienced mental health issues as a direct result of work. This isn’t just a personal issue—it’s an organisational one that impacts productivity, engagement, and overall company health. In fact, Deloitte’s research on the return on investment (ROI) for mental health interventions found that for every £1 spent on mental health support, employers see an average return of £5.30 through reduced absenteeism, presenteeism, and turnover. These are numbers that should catch the attention of every business leader.

This is where Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) comes into play. Think of MHFA as you would physical first aid. Just as every workplace needs someone who can handle a medical emergency, we need trained individuals who can recognise and respond to mental health crises. MHFA training equips employees with the skills to offer immediate support to their colleagues, acting as a crucial early intervention before professional help is required. This kind of proactive support is vital—it can prevent situations from escalating and contributes to a more supportive and empathetic work environment.

Yet, it’s not just about having MHFA-trained staff. The role of management is equally, if not more, important. Managers are the frontline when it comes to recognising signs of mental distress and fostering an environment where employees feel safe to speak up. The CIPD report reveals that only 37% of managers feel confident in having sensitive discussions around mental health. This is a significant gap that needs to be addressed.

So, what’s causing this decline in management training? Several factors are at play, but a vital issue is the short-sightedness of cost-cutting measures. In an effort to trim budgets, training programs are often among the first to be reduced or eliminated. However, this approach is penny-wise and pound-foolish. Without proper training, managers are ill-equipped to handle the complexities of today’s workplace, particularly when supporting their teams’ mental health.

This decline is not just an abstract problem; it has tangible consequences. As Pfeffer’s book outlines, the erosion of management training contributes to the stress and burnout epidemic plaguing today’s workforce. When companies fail to invest in their managers, it’s the employees who suffer most—leading to a toxic work environment that can have devastating effects on mental health. This isn’t just bad for employees; it’s bad for business.

On the flip side, organisations that invest in mental health and management training see significant returns. For example, according to the CIPD report, companies with strong mental health strategies reported a 21% decrease in costs associated with mental health-related absence. These savings are just the tip of the iceberg. The true value lies in enhanced productivity, increased engagement, and stronger employee retention from a mentally healthy workforce.

So, what can be done to reverse this trend and ensure that our workplaces are equipped to support mental health? Here are some actionable steps:

1. Invest in Mental Health First Aid Training: Make MHFA a core component of your workplace wellness strategy. Train a group of employees across different levels and departments to ensure that mental health support is accessible to everyone.
2. Invest in Training: Your staff are your greatest asset, so why not invest in them? Allocate more resources to management training, focusing on developing skills in mental health awareness, effective communication, and empathetic leadership. As a Skills Bank Approved Provider for South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), my company can help you access potential funding if you meet the criteria.
3. Implement Regular Check-ins: Encourage managers to hold regular one-on-one meetings with their team members, especially in hybrid work environments. These check-ins should go beyond work discussions to include well-being. Consider arranging informal meetings or virtual coffee chats to foster a supportive atmosphere. This regular interaction is crucial for maintaining a connection and addressing potential issues before they escalate.
4. Develop a Clear Mental Health Policy: Ensure your organisation has a well-defined mental health policy outlining the support available to employees and the steps they can take if they’re struggling. This policy should be regularly reviewed and communicated to all staff members to ensure everyone is aware of the available resources and support.
5. Measure and Monitor: Regularly assess the effectiveness of your mental health initiatives. Include mental health as a standing item in your company’s board minutes, just as you would report on products and services. Use metrics like absenteeism, turnover rates, and employee feedback to gauge the impact and make necessary adjustments. Treating mental health with the same importance as other key business metrics ensures it remains a priority at all levels of the organisation.

Have you ever wondered how your organisation measures up? Reflect on the following: Do you have MHFA-trained staff? Are your managers equipped to handle mental health issues? What steps are you taking to ensure a mentally healthy workplace?

In conclusion, Mental Health First Aid and effective management are not just ‘nice-to-haves’—they’re essential components of a thriving, resilient workforce. The CIPD report shows that the time to act is now. Let’s commit to making mental health a priority, not just for the benefit of individuals but for the success of our organisations as a whole. Investing in our people is the wisest business decision we can make. After all, a mentally healthy workplace is a productive, happy workplace.

Mike Lawrence: Your Guide to Health & Wellbeing

I’m Mike Lawrence, a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing. After overcoming significant health challenges, including brain surgery, I’ve dedicated myself to a journey of self-improvement and helping others thrive. From heart-pounding skydives for charity to soul-enriching travels in Thailand, my experiences have shaped my approach to holistic health.

I love sharing the lessons I’ve learned from these adventures and from the powerful audiobooks I devour. Let’s explore the paths to better mental and physical health together. Embrace life’s adventures with enthusiasm and resilience, and remember—you’re never alone on this journey!

Feel free to reach out via email at hello@mikelawrence.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. For more in-depth insights and inspiring stories, read my latest blogs here. Together, let’s create a healthier, happier future!