Enhancing Workforce Wellbeing: Implementing A Global Mental Health First Aid Program

Abstract This paper describes how a global energy technology company developed a mental health first aid (MHFA) program to provide workplace access to a trained mental health responder at the point of need and how this initiative also helps to raise awareness of the importance of good mental health in the workplace. The program complements the company’s existing Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and mirrors the provision of physical first aid response in the workplace. The program uses an employee-volunteer approach, teaching individuals to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health concerns. Implementation included creating a role description for volunteer MHFAs and documenting responsibilities for employees, managers, human resources, health, safety and environment (HSE) and company medical professionals. Requirements included criteria for volunteer eligibility and sourcing of in-country and remote online training programs to meet national as well as company requirements. Existing national MHFA training providers were mapped and a six-step MHFA training and certification process was developed. A global web and mobile app were also developed to connect employees to the trained and certified MHFAs. The MHFA program has been fully implemented in over 20% of the company’s operational locations and partially implemented in a further 50% of locations during the first year of program activity. Over 80% of the workforce is included and covered by the program. A diverse employee cohort volunteered to be trained to provide mental health first aid response. National resources and cultural factors influenced the speed of adoption and implementation. The workforce embraced the program, and, in many cases, it was observed being pulled by end users rather than pushed out as an HSE campaign. Legal liability concerns were addressed by clearly defining the scope and MHFA responsibilities, with additional education regarding the appropriate limits of mental health first aid provision in the workplace. To support the volunteers, a global network of MHFAs was established to share ideas and experiences as well as to provide support to grow the program. The return on investment for this type of program includes likely improvements to morale, an enhanced culture of care and overall increased HSE engagement. From an organizational perspective, the program can help contribute to reduced medical leave in the workplace over time.