On World Mental Health Day, the CEO of MHFA England has said workplace wellbeing must be viewed as a strategic investment for businesses.

Speaking to Emerging Risks Sarah McIntosh said: “Most of us spend a third of our lives at work. Yet too often, workplace mental health support is inconsistent and reactive. That needs to change. Poor mental health costs UK employers an estimated £51 billion each year. The same research shows that for every £1 invested in workplace mental health, employers see a £4–£6 return.

“For business leaders still viewing wellbeing as an optional overhead, rather than an operational necessity, these numbers speak for themselves. Investing in mental health isn’t a “nice to have” – it’s a business imperative.”

She continued: “At Mental Health First Aid England®, we have nearly two decades of evidence and experience to draw on. Since 2007, we’ve trained over one million people to recognise the signs of poor mental health, start supportive conversations, and signpost to help. The message is clear: mental health and productivity go hand in hand. When people are healthier and happier at work, they perform better.

“The need for greater mental health provision in workplaces mirrors the evolution of physical health and safety laws. Before the Health and Safety at Work Act, thousands of people died every year in preventable workplace accidents.

“Today, millions experience mental ill health that affects performance, causes absence, and, in severe cases, leads to unemployment. Poor mental health is now the leading cause of long-term sickness in the UK, contributing to record levels of economic inactivity. More than half of people out of work due to long-term sickness report depression, anxiety, or related conditions. The gap in mental health provision is just as stark.”

McIntosh added MHFA has been working with business and communities to highlight the issues and create a template for change.

“Through our campaign, Set the standard: Mandate the change, MHFA England® has developed draft Workplace Mental Health First Aid Standards, the first of their kind in England. These set out clear, evidence-based guidance on what good practice looks like in embedding Mental Health First Aid at work.

“We have now opened a public consultation to gather views from employers, employees, industry bodies and mental health professionals across every sector. This is a pivotal opportunity to help shape the future of workplace mental health. Whether you are an MHFAider®, a business leader, or someone passionate about improving wellbeing at work, we want to hear from you.”

McIntosh explained: “These standards are the first step towards our ambition to mandate mental health first aid in every workplace, just as physical first aid is. Cost is often cited as a barrier, but this overlooks the significant organisational and individual benefits. In fact, many government departments and NHS organisations already have trained MHFAiders®. The business case is clear: wellbeing drives performance and strengthens an organisation’s competitive edge.

“The transformations reshaping the workplace make this issue even more urgent. Remote and hybrid working, economic pressures, and return-to-office tensions are testing resilience at every level. Supporting mental health at work is better for people, better for business, and better for the economy. It increases productivity, boosts labour market participation, and helps unlock the UK’s untapped potential.”

She continued: “At MHFA England our vision is of a society where everyone’s mental health matters. We will achieve this by creating workplaces where people, communities and businesses thrive. Through our training, consultancy and campaigning, we help organisations to build inclusive, mentally healthy cultures that support performance and productivity.

“Workplaces are where many of us spend most of our waking lives. They offer unparalleled reach for prevention, early intervention and support. Training people in Mental Health First Aid doesn’t just build skills for work – it gives people the tools to support friends, families and communities beyond the workplace.

“As organisations navigate economic challenges, productivity pressures and skills shortages, one truth stands out: mental health isn’t a cost centre – it’s a strategic investment. For leaders who still view wellbeing as peripheral to performance, the evidence says otherwise.

“The question isn’t whether you can afford to invest in workplace mental health – it’s whether you can afford not to.”

“Today, millions experience mental ill health that affects performance, causes absence, and, in severe cases, leads to unemployment. Poor mental health is now the leading cause of long-term sickness in the UK, contributing to record levels of economic inactivity.’’
Sarah McIntosh, MHFA England