Why is MHFA good for business?

Workplace first aid includes mental health.

Just as physical first aid is administered to an injured person before medical treatment can be obtained, MHFA is given until appropriate treatment is found or until the crisis is resolved.

Recognize

a change in behaviour

Respond

with a confident conversation

Guide

to appropriate resources and support

• In a recent major Canadian study, 82% of responding organizations ranked mental health conditions in their top three causes of short term disability (72% for long-term).
  
• 30% of all short and long term disability claims are due to mental health problems and illnesses.
  
• The average responding organization reported spending more than $10.5 million annually on absence claims.
  
• In 2011, lost productivity due to absenteeism and presenteeism (present but less than fully productive at work) due to mental health problems and illnesses was approximately $6 Billion.
  

Outcomes of MHFA training:

• Significantly greater recognition of the most common mental health illnesses and problems
  
• Decreased social distance from people with mental health illnesses or problems
  
• Increased confidence in providing help to others
  
• Demonstrated increase in helpful actions
  
• I have gained a greater awareness and understanding of Mental Health issues. I have also gained a confidence within myself as a professional to recognize, empathize and provide supports to individuals with mental health barriers.
  

Key benefits of a mentally healthy workplace:

• Employers who set a strategic direction for improving mental health are rewarded with dramatic cost and effectiveness benefits, enjoying significant and sustainable enhancements in:
  
• Productivity: Happy and psychologically healthy employees work harder and more efficiently.
  
• Cost Savings due to Disability and Absenteeism: There is a strong link between mental health, physical well-being and injury prevention
  
• Operational Success: Mentally healthy workplaces are characterized by higher levels of employee motivation, commitment, innovation and creativity, as well as fewer errors, better decision making and improved planning.
  
• Recruitment and Retention: Top candidates today are looking for a workplace that supports their personal and professional growth.
  
• Conflict Reduction: Better mental health among employees means fewer grievances and complaints and a stronger corporate reputation
  
• Operational Success: Mentally healthy workplaces are characterized by higher levels of employee motivation, commitment, innovation and creativity, as well as fewer errors, better decision making and improved planning.