Frankie and Billie recently attended a Mental Health First Aid Course. In the same way that we prioritise physicalhealth and safety, this training will now help us recognise the signs of the mental, and often silent, struggle that affects countless individuals.
In the hustle and bustle of today’s fast-paced society, stress has become an all too familiar companion for many of us, and its toll on the mental health of our nation is undeniable. In 2021/2022, the UK lost 17 million working days due to poor mental health, costing the economy around £45 billion each year.
Whatever the root cause of the anxiety, we recognise that the well-being of our Genus team members is not just a corporate responsibility, it’s a fundamental pillar that shapes the way we want to run our business.
We’ve taken a proactive step towards fostering a supportive environment for our employees by investing in this specialist training.
Read on to find out how it went!
Why We Chose to Invest in Mental Health First Aid Training
“We spend a significant portion of our lives at work, so it’s important to us that our team feels happy and safe when they are here with us.” Says Billie, Director at Genus Recycling. “While traditional First Aid training just focuses on physical health care emergencies, we felt that Mental Health First Aid was just as crucial in promoting a supportive and caring work environment.
By investing in Mental Health First Aid training for our staff, we are building on our belief that a good workplace creates understanding, compassion and awareness.”
The Importance of Mental Health First Aid to Genus
Statistics show that one in four people will experience mental health issues at some point in their lives. Whatever the root cause, whether it’s problems at home or something deeper, it is important to Genus that the team is well-informed about identifying signs of mental distress. Even more importantly, that they know how to respond to situations, and how to help.
“During the training, we learnt so much about different mental health conditions,” continues Billie. “Using this knowledge, we can bring mental health into our daily workplace conversations. Talking openly about our emotional and mental well-being with colleagues can reduce the stigma around mental health, creating an environment of support and empathy. We strongly believe that a well-educated and mindful workforce is the foundation of a supportive organisation.”
Standout Learnings
During the Mental Health First Aid training, one thing stood out to Frankie and Billie; the huge impact poor mental health can have on the economy. Neglected mental health leads to more sick days than most physical illnesses.
Frankie, our Logistics Manager said, “We are a small team at Genus, and we work well together but this training has made us even more committed to providing a supportive workplace that prioritises employee wellbeing.”
Advice to Other Businesses
To fellow business owners and employers considering investing in Mental Health First Aid, Billie and Frankie would wholeheartedly recommend it saying, “the benefits far outweigh any reservations you may have and by empowering your workforce with the knowledge and skills to support their colleagues, friends, and family, you’re building a compassionate and resilient community within your organisation.”
Mental health training not only equips employees to identify and address mental health challenges but is also an engaging and enlightening experience all round. It is an important part of encouraging open conversations about mental health and helping people to understand this topic better.
As a company Genus believes that investing in Mental Health First Aid is an integral part of their commitment to being a good employer. By equipping their team with the knowledge and tools to support one another through challenging times, they can ensure that no one faces the weight of poor mental health alone.
To find out more about mental health training, and how your organisation could get involved, please contact Compliance Training Ltd