According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 12 billion workdays are lost annually worldwide due to anxiety and depression. With 60% of the global population currently in employment, the WHO’s data also revealed that in 2019, 15% of working-age adults had experienced a mental health disorder, underscoring the growing importance of mental health in the workplace.

Lisa Sharman, Head of Education & Commercial Training at St John Ambulance, said: “First-responder care is often associated with accidents or sudden medical emergencies, but mental health today is very much a first-aid issue, and one that’s as complex as physical health.”

She added,:“Mental illness costs UK businesses approximately £56 billion each year. The good news is, a little bit of corporate engagement can go a long way, with research showing that measures to improve mental health of employees will yield £5 for every £1 spent.”

“There is a gap across England in the understanding of how first aid applies to mental health – but research shows it is becoming a more frequent and urgent workplace concern.”

“Mental health first aid is relevant to all workplaces – safe, healthy working environments across industries can promote good mental health and support employees with mental health issues.”

“Poor working environments pose a significant risk to mental health. These risks can range from excessive workloads to unhealthy working conditions, discrimination, burnout and more.”

“In the workplace, there is still a great deal of ignorance around how to recognise mental illness, and how to react when faced with it. This means that those in need of mental health help and support may not receive it.”

“By failing to respond appropriately to an employee with a mental health issue, an organisation may open itself to a claim for compensation. This could be lengthy, expensive, and take precious time away from managers and staff.”

“We join the WHO and the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) today in calling for urgent action to ensure workplaces prevent risks to mental health, and employers do all they can to protect and support mental health at work.”

St John Ambulance provides a range of Mental Health First Aid training courses that adopt a uniquely practical approach to creating competent and confident workplace first aiders.

From Mental Health Awareness to Manager training, e-learning modules, Workplace First Aider and Workplace First Responder courses, St John Ambulance helps workers spot the signs and respond to the needs of a person experiencing a mental health issue.

Independent research and evaluation show that taking part in a Mental Health First Aid course raises awareness of mental illnesses, encourages early intervention to aid recovery, increases confidence in dealing with mental illnesses and reduces stigma.

Employers have a legal duty of care to ensure that employees are provided with a safe working environment. They must take reasonable care to prevent personal injury (including mental or physical harm) that may arise in the workplace.

For more startup news, check out the other articles on the website, and subscribe to the magazine for free. Listen to The Cereal Entrepreneur podcast for more interviews with entrepreneurs and big-hitters in the startup ecosystem.