DataLase prioritizes mental health first aid training

According to DataLase, the impact of mental health on businesses across the UK amounts to GBP 34.9 billion every year, mainly due to loss of productivity. This equates to 72 million working days being lost yearly due to mental health issues, or as much as GBP 1,300 per employee annually. 

One of the most effective ways to safeguard employees and reduce these costs is to provide mental first aid training in the workplace. Mental health first aid is knowing how to spot the signs and symptoms of common mental health concerns and assisting employees in need of help. With trained staff members, businesses can support staff and reduce the financial impact of mental health by up to 30 percent. 

‘As a business, we are constantly reviewing what we can do to support our employees’ health and wellbeing,’ said Roscoe. ‘Statistically, one in four of us will experience a mental health issue in any given year. It's important, therefore, that we recognize that people have a lot going on in their lives, not just from a work perspective. 

‘I asked myself, in my role as HR manager, if an individual came to me struggling with their mental health, would I have the skills and knowledge to help that person in the best way possible? I decided to attend mental health first aid to improve my knowledge and understanding of mental health to provide the best support I could. It’s so important we all look after our mental health, recognizing signs and knowing where to turn is vital.’

A trained Mental Health First Aider can start productive conversations about mental health, be a role model for managing mental health, promote a greater understanding of the importance of mental health, and play a significant part in ending stigma and discrimination around mental health in the workplace.