Mental well-being is more important than ever for keeping employees engaged, productive, and happy at work. As workplaces evolve, it’s clear that understanding and supporting mental health with evidence-based care is key to success.
Tramaine EL-Amin
Vice President, Mental Health First Aid
Results of a recent study show approximately half of workers report feeling used up (51%), emotionally drained (45%), or burned out (44%) from their work. At least one in five workers reported they have taken a lower-paying job, pursued a different career, or left a job without having another one lined up to protect their personal well-being. This study, and many others like it, reveals that a sizeable portion of employees are facing challenges impacting their mental health in the workplace.
Supporting mental well-being with effective training
A leading voice in the mental well-being space, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing provides evidence-based strategies that are shown to help employees understand and reduce stigma in the workplace, recognize and help a colleague who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge, and empower employees to have safe, respectful, and effective conversations about mental health and substance use challenges.
Evaluating our programs, including Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) at Work, is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of our training and maximizing impact in workplaces. In February 2025, an evaluation was conducted to understand the impact of two MHFA at Work trainings: MHFA at Work Intro, a two-hour self-paced online course, and MHFA at Work Certification, a four-hour course resulting in certification in MHFA at Work.
Insights gained from the evaluation included:
- 88% of participants said MHFA at Work Intro was relevant to their daily lives
- 87% of participants in MHFA at Work Intro are confident they can help a coworker and intend to take action in the event of a mental health or substance use challenge
- 75% of participants in MHFA at Work Certification said the training increased their mental health knowledge
- 95% of participants in MHFA at Work Certification are confident they can help a coworker and intend to take action in the event of a mental health or substance use challenge
Holistic strategies provide overall benefits
With rising workplace stressors and the trend toward remote and hybrid work, organizations are realizing that prioritizing mental well-being improves job satisfaction, reduces burnout, and leads to better business results. In fact, according to a World Health Organization-led study, for every $1 invested in mental health treatment, there is a $4 return in better health and ability to work.
To meet the evolving needs of modern-day employees, there needs to be a shift from prioritizing physical health only to a more well-rounded approach that includes mental and emotional well-being. By using evidence-based solutions, focusing on meaningful workplace benefits such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and committing to proactive strategies, businesses can build healthier, more resilient teams.
