What is mental health first aid in the workplace?
Mental health first aid is the initial support offered to someone developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of an existing condition, or in crisis. In a workplace, it means having trained colleagues — mental health first aiders — who can spot the early warning signs, hold a calm, supportive conversation, and guide the person toward the right professional help. It is the psychological equivalent of physical first aid: not therapy, but timely, informed first support.
Why it matters for employers
Mental ill-health is among the leading causes of sickness absence and lost productivity, and your duty of care covers psychological safety just as much as physical safety. Building mental health first aid into your workplace helps problems surface early, reduces absence and presenteeism, lowers stigma, and gives managers a clear, confident way to respond — instead of avoiding a difficult conversation until it becomes a crisis.
What our online support includes
Responder framework
A structured model for your mental health first aiders — how to notice signs, approach, listen, and signpost to help.
Manager guidance
Practical scripts and boundaries so managers can support staff without overstepping into clinical care.
Policy & pathways
A simple workplace mental health policy and clear referral pathways to professional and crisis support.
Risk awareness
Help identifying the psychosocial risks in your specific roles, using our occupational health risk tools.
How it works — online, wherever you are
Tell us about your workplace
Share your size, sector and the pressures your teams face — we shape the support around your real risks.
Online occupational health consultation
Meet an occupational health expert by video to plan your mental health first aid approach and responders.
Roll out & embed
Put the framework, policy and pathways in place, with follow-up so it becomes part of how your workplace works.
Learn more
Mental Health First Aid at Work: A Guide for Employers. Or check the specific health risks of any job with our free occupational health risk checker.
Frequently asked questions
What is mental health first aid in the workplace?
It is the initial support given to a colleague developing a mental health problem, facing a worsening condition, or in crisis — recognising early signs, having a supportive conversation, and guiding them to professional help. It is the mental-health equivalent of physical first aid.
Why is mental health first aid important in the workplace?
Mental ill-health is a leading cause of absence and lost productivity, and employers have a duty of care for psychological safety. It helps issues get addressed early, cuts absence and presenteeism, reduces stigma, and gives managers a confident way to respond.
Can this be done online?
Yes — our support is delivered online, so employers and teams anywhere in the world can build mental health first aid capability without on-site logistics, backed by occupational health expertise.