Has Workplace Mental Health Training Been Deprioritised Now That COVID is in the Rearview Mirror?

COVID-19 dramatically reshaped workplaces worldwide, compelling businesses to reconsider their approaches to mental health in the workplace. Initially, the pandemic spurred significant investments in mental health training and employee wellbeing programmes, spotlighting comprehensive corporate mental health initiatives as essential to maintaining productivity and workforce stability. Now, as normal routines resume, it’s crucial to reflect: Have organisations continued to prioritise employee mental health adequately, or has complacency quietly crept in?

Understanding the Current State of Workplace Mental Health

The Deloitte Mental Health Report 2024 clearly illustrates the substantial financial impact of mental health issues on UK businesses, with annual costs of around £51 billion. Although this figure has decreased slightly from peak pandemic times, presenteeism—employees attending work despite experiencing mental health difficulties—alone continues to cost businesses approximately £24 billion each year. These figures underscore the urgent need for ongoing attention and sustained investment in workplace mental health training.

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The pandemic left lingering effects on employees' mental wellbeing, significantly increasing stress, anxiety, and burnout levels. According to a 2022 McKinsey study, 59% of employees still report moderate or severe burnout, demonstrating that the mental health crisis in the workplace is far from over. Additionally, with hybrid work models and financial pressures like rising living costs becoming more prevalent, continuous corporate mental health training remains crucial.

Why Managers Are Central to Employee Mental Health Support

Managers occupy a uniquely influential position within organisations, making their role critical to supporting employee wellbeing at work. Well-trained managers can quickly recognise mental health issues, effectively support employees through difficult times, and foster a positive and open workplace culture. However, managers themselves often lack adequate training, leaving them feeling ill-equipped to handle complex mental health situations.

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According to the World Health Organization, global funding gaps persistently challenge mental health service provision, even in developed nations like the UK. These gaps complicate employer responsibilities, as businesses navigate limited resources and competing priorities. Without sustained funding and support, managers struggle to meet their responsibilities effectively, potentially exacerbating existing mental health challenges within teams.

Effective Steps for Businesses to Prioritise Employee Mental Health

Organisations can proactively enhance their mental health support by implementing several targeted strategies:

• Deliver regular, comprehensive mental health training programmes across all organisational levels. These sessions should not be one-off events but integrated into ongoing professional development plans.
  
• Integrate practical stress management and burnout prevention strategies into daily operations. Encouraging regular breaks, promoting a healthy work-life balance, and creating channels for open communication about workload management are all effective practices.
  
• Continuously train managers in mental health awareness, ensuring they are well-equipped with tools and techniques for supporting their teams proactively. Such training should empower managers to create psychologically safe environments where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health without fear of stigma or career repercussions.

Simon Blake, CEO of MHFA England, emphasises the value of proactive mental health investment, describing it as "not an expense, but an ROI multiplier." By investing consistently in preventative mental health measures, businesses significantly reduce costs associated with absenteeism, presenteeism, and employee turnover, simultaneously enhancing overall productivity and workforce morale.

The Strategic Imperative for Ongoing Mental Health Investment

Investing in mental health isn’t merely a moral obligation—it’s strategically advantageous for businesses. PwC’s Workforce of the Future 2030 report projects significant disadvantages for companies neglecting robust mental health initiatives, including a 30% higher turnover rate and 20% lower productivity compared to competitors who proactively support employee mental wellbeing. Furthermore, evolving workforce demographics and expectations highlight the strategic importance of mental health support. An impressive 83% of Gen Z workers prioritise robust mental health programmes over higher salaries, making comprehensive corporate mental health initiatives essential to successful talent attraction and retention.

Reflecting and Refining Your Organisation’s Mental Health Strategy

Given these realities, it’s timely to reflect critically on your organisation’s mental health strategy:

• Have you maintained momentum with mental health initiatives implemented during the pandemic?
  
• Are there sufficient numbers of Mental Health First Aiders in your business, and are these individuals visibly supported, regularly trained, and empowered?
  
• Have your managers been adequately equipped with recent, comprehensive training to confidently support their teams' mental health?
  
• Or has your organisation inadvertently treated mental health initiatives as short-term compliance tasks rather than long-term commitments?

Partnering with PUSH for Your Mental Health Goals

At PUSH, we understand the complexities organisations face regarding employee mental health. We specialise in delivering evidence-based, tailored mental health training solutions specifically designed to meet your organisation’s unique requirements. Our offerings include comprehensive management training, targeted corporate mental health training initiatives, and detailed wellbeing at work programmes aimed at fostering resilient, engaged, and healthy workplaces.

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When you partner with PUSH, we help you transform mental health strategies into meaningful actions, ensuring your organisation not only meets its employer responsibilities but also thrives through enhanced workforce wellbeing.

Taking Action Today for a Healthier Tomorrow

PUSH can help you deliver on your strategic goals for a mentally healthy organisation. Our expert team includes experienced mental health specialists who provide comprehensive mental health awareness training, Mental Health First Aid accredited by MHFA England, and mental health training tailored specifically for your managers. Additionally, we can support your business with strategic planning and implementation to ensure lasting, meaningful outcomes.

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Connect with us today at enquiries@pushmindandbody.com or check out our programmes—because proactive, strategic investment in mental health is essential to building a successful, resilient, and thriving workplace now and in the future.