Article - Mental health training for managers could save organisations millions of pounds, study finds

1. Economic Impact of Poor Mental Health:
   • Poor mental health costs UK employers approximately £51 billion annually.
   • Major contributors include presenteeism (being at work but not fully functioning) and burnout.
   • Family members' ill-health also impacts productivity.
2. Benefits of Mental Health Training for Line Managers:
   • Research from the University of Nottingham shows that mental health training for managers improves staff recruitment, retention, and customer service.
   • Lower levels of long-term mental health sickness absence are associated with such training.
   • Training increases managers' confidence and ability to have supportive conversations about mental health.
3. Strategic Importance:
   • Investing in mental health is seen as both a moral and strategic business decision with substantial returns.
   • Better business outcomes are linked to improved knowledge and management of mental health by line managers.
4. Implementation Advice:
   • Before implementing mental health training, organisations should collect data and reflect on workplace culture.
   • Seeking help from specialist providers like Mental Health First Aid England is recommended.
   • Awareness and effective communication of the policy to managers are crucial.
   • Increasing awareness and understanding of mental health issues can reduce ill-health absences and improve employee loyalty, engagement, and productivity.
5. Broader Organisational Insights:
   • Encouragement towards a holistic approach to mental health and wellbeing, beyond traditional Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs).
   • Employers should be aware that neglecting mental health can have detrimental effects on productivity and overall business success.

These points highlight the critical importance of addressing mental health in the workplace through training and support for line managers.

Mental health training for managers could save organisations millions of pounds, study findsResearch shows this kind of upskilling is linked to better business performance and reduced sickness absencewww.peoplemanagement.co.uk