Why Should Employers Invest in First Aid for Mental Health?
Manager and employee having a supportive conversation at work.
The modern workplace is under pressure to do more to support employee wellbeing—and rightly so. With mental health-related absence on the rise and teams navigating high workloads, hybrid pressures and burnout, employers must take proactive steps to protect their people and their business.
Supporting employee wellbeing is no longer optional. It’s a business-critical decision that directly impacts performance, productivity, and retention. As mental health-related absence and burnout continue to rise in 2025, employers who invest in accredited First Aid for Mental Health training are taking a proactive step to futureproof their workforce.
The Business Case for Mental Health in the Workplace
The impact of poor mental health on UK employers is no longer up for debate. It’s a measurable and growing cost:
In 2023–24, poor mental health cost UK employers £51 billion, driven by absenteeism, presenteeism and staff turnover (HR Magazine).
Mental health issues accounted for 51% of all work-related ill health in the UK in 2023 (Mental Health Foundation).
Nearly a third of young employees took time off due to stress in the past year, highlighting growing demand for support across generations (The Times).
89% of UK employees want their employer to prioritise staff mental health (Acas).
Employers that invest in mental health interventions see a strong return on investment—an average of £5 for every £1 spent, according to multiple UK studies.
First Aid for Mental Health training is an effective and scalable way to build internal capability. It equips HR, managers, wellbeing leads and staff with the skills to identify early warning signs, open meaningful conversations, and respond to mental health concerns appropriately.
Early Intervention = Fewer Absences
One of the core benefits of First Aid for Mental Health training is enabling early intervention. Work-related stress, anxiety and depression remain the leading causes of long-term sickness absence in the UK. Line managers and team leaders are often the first to notice changes in behaviour—but without training, they may not act.
Our course equips them to recognise early signs, respond appropriately, and signpost to relevant support. This approach leads to earlier help-seeking, fewer days lost, and improved outcomes for both the employee and the organisation.
Confident Managers = Reduced HR Strain
Mental health issues in the workplace frequently reach HR teams when they’ve already escalated. By training managers and supervisors, organisations embed proactive support into day-to-day operations. This not only empowers staff but eases the burden on HR.
Participants in our training learn how to open up conversations, manage boundaries, and escalate concerns responsibly—reducing delays and ensuring timely intervention.
Supportive Culture = Higher Retention and Productivity
A psychologically safe workplace leads to stronger engagement, lower turnover, and higher performance. Mental health first aiders play a key role in creating this culture—offering a visible, approachable form of support.
When organisations invest in this training, they send a clear message: employee wellbeing matters. Over time, this leads to improved morale, higher retention, and a more cohesive workplace.
Certification = You're Walking the Talk
Employees increasingly expect their employers to take mental health seriously. Mental health first aid certification is a tangible way for employers to show they are taking action. It moves wellbeing from a policy to a practice.
It shows that your business is not only aware of its duty of care—but is actively investing in practical solutions. In a competitive market, that can set you apart as an employer of choice.
What Sets OH One Apart: Ongoing Support for First Aiders
Most training providers deliver a one-off course. But here’s the challenge: training is valuable—but what happens after the course ends? Mental health first aid is a role, one that can carry responsibility, complexity, and emotional weight.
That’s why we introduced structured ongoing support through our Exclusive Community for First Aiders to help first aiders build confidence, remain effective, and avoid the risk of burnout—creating long-term value for your organisation.
Why OH One?
As a SEQOHS Accredited occupational health and wellbeing provider, OH One delivers high-quality, expert-led training that reflects the realities of today’s working environments.
We understand that workplaces need more than a certificate—they need confident people who feel equipped to offer real support when it matters. Our mental health training is:
Accredited at Level 3
Flexible delivery and pricing options
Led by experienced, qualified mental health professionals, BACP registered
Backed by a unique and comprehensive support structure
Ready to take the next step?
Explore our training here and get in touch to discuss your organisation’s needs.