For too long, workplace wellbeing has been framed as a “nice-to-have”, a bolt-on to business as usual. Something to turn to when time or budgets allow, rather than a core component of how organisations operate. Yet, as the UK faces record levels of economic inactivity driven by poor mental health, it’s clear that supporting employee wellbeing is not just a moral imperative, it’s a business one.
Poor mental health now costs UK employers an estimated £51 billion every year. That figure represents not only absence and presenteeism, but also the loss of potential, productivity and creativity that comes when people are living with mental ill health. Conversely, research shows that for every £1 invested in mental health interventions, employers see a return of between £4 and £6. The business case has never been clearer but what’s often missing is the ‘how’.
At MHFA England, we’ve spent 18 years helping employers to build mentally healthy workplaces through Mental Health First Aid, wider workplace mental health training and consultancy. As the conversation around wellbeing matures, we know that training alone is not enough. True cultural change requires leadership, systems, and standards. They are the foundations on which psychologically safe workplaces are built.
That’s why we have launched a public consultation on new Workplace Mental Health First Aid Standards, the first of their kind in England. Developed with thousands of MHFAiders, Instructor Members, employers and experts, the draft standards set out what best practice looks like when embedding MHFA. They are designed to help organisations move beyond good intentions, towards consistent, evidence-based action.
These standards couldn’t come at a more critical time. The Government’s focus on helping people with mental health conditions to stay in or return to work is demonstrated by the commissioning of the Keep Britain Working review. The review, for the Department for Work and Pensions marks an important shift in approach. One that recognises that mental health and productivity go hand in hand. When wellbeing is woven into how we lead, manage and measure success, it benefits everyone: people, businesses, and the economy.
While policy and evidence can guide us, culture starts in the boardroom. Leaders set the tone. When executives treat wellbeing as a strategic priority, considered with the same seriousness as financial performance, it cascades throughout the organisation.
Making wellbeing a boardroom issue also means recognising that support must be ongoing. The best organisations are moving beyond one-off initiatives towards integrated, preventative approaches. They are making sure mental health is part of induction, performance reviews, leadership training, and continuing professional development. They are listening to staff, measuring impact, and holding themselves accountable for progress.
The launch of our consultation is an invitation to employers, employees, and industry bodies alike to shape the future of workplace wellbeing. The future of workplace mental health support is being shaped now and this is your opportunity to have your say.
To read the draft standards and add your voice to the consultation, visit https://mhfaengland.org/set-the-standard/
Sarah McIntosh is CEO of Mental Health First Aid England.
