Worried about workplace stress? Mental health eLearning can help

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Ever wondered how to truly support your employees' mental health and wellbeing? We have some practical tips and resources to help you do just that. This blog dives into the three key aspects of health – physical, mental, and social – showing you why they're all crucial. You’ll also learn how eLearning is your secret weapon against work stress, offering flexible, practical ways for everyone to cope. And, ultimately, how investing in mental health awareness leads to more engaged employees, less absenteeism, and a stronger company culture.

The conversation around mental health in the workplace will always be a tough one. One in seven workers have a mental health condition, with women nearly twice as likely to have a common mental health problem as full-time employed men (19.8% vs 10.9%). It’s a large-scale challenge that needs to be faced with subtlety and strength.

Employers must recognise that employee wellbeing is a fundamental pillar of a thriving, productive organisation. And that giving your people the right tools is a proactive way to build a culture of empathy, understanding, and support.

Although the case for mental health awareness and training is strong, traditional training methods often fall short. This is where eLearning comes into its own. Accessible, flexible, and engaging, mental health awareness eLearning offers a scalable solution to educate your entire workforce, from entry-level staff to senior leadership, on crucial aspects of mental wellbeing.

We understand the complexities business leaders face in nurturing a healthy workforce. Our expertly designed eLearning courses are tailored to demystify mental health, break down stigmas, and empower individuals to look after themselves and support their colleagues effectively.

 

“They are absolute experts in their field, and couldn’t have been more supportive and professional.”

 

Bank of Ireland

 

The three pillars of health: a holistic view

When we talk about health, it's easy to focus on the physical. But true health is a holistic concept that encompasses three interconnected aspects:

  • Physical health: This refers to the optimal functioning of your body. This could be anything from managing illness and maintaining fitness to ensuring adequate sleep and nutrition. Physical health often impacts, and is impacted by, our mental and social states
  • Mental health: This encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It influences how we think, feel, and act. Mental health affects our ability to cope with stress, relate to others, and make choices. Good mental health isn’t the absence of challenges, but rather the capacity to navigate them effectively
  • Social health: This relates to our ability to form and maintain meaningful relationships, interact positively with others, and connect with our communities. Strong social connections provide support, reduce feelings of isolation, and contribute significantly to overall wellbeing


"Ignoring any one of these pillars can lead to imbalances that impact an individual's overall health and, by extension, their performance and engagement at work," says Karen Lough, director of people at Ciphr. "A truly supportive workplace recognises and addresses all three."

Harness eLearning to alleviate work stress

Work-related stress is rife. And it impacts both individual wellbeing and organisational productivity. eLearning is a powerful, accessible strategy to equip employees with the tools and knowledge to manage and alleviate work stress.

Here's how eLearning can be a game-changer:

  • Flexible and accessible learning: Employees can access courses at their own pace, at a time that suits them. This helps reduce the pressure often linked to traditional, fixed training schedules. Flexibility is especially valuable for those already experiencing stress
  • Destigmatises conversations: eLearning provides a safe, private space for individuals to learn about stress, its triggers, and coping mechanisms without the perceived judgment that might exist in a group setting
  • Practical strategies and tools: Our courses don't just explain stress; they provide actionable strategies, such as mindfulness techniques, time management tips, and communication skills, that people can apply immediately
  • Managerial support: eLearning isn't just for individual contributors. Dedicated modules for managers can equip them with the confidence and skills to recognise signs of stress in their teams, initiate supportive conversations, and signpost resources
  • Consistency and standardisation: Ensure every employee receives the same high-quality, up-to-date information. This is the foundation that provides a consistent approach to mental health and stress management across your organisation


"We consistently see that when employees feel empowered with the knowledge and strategies to manage their own wellbeing, they become more resilient and better equipped to handle the demands of their roles," comments David Marshall, managing director, Ciphr eLearning. "eLearning provides that essential foundation."

Why invest in mental health awareness eLearning?

The benefits extend far beyond individual wellbeing. How can eLearning positively impact your entire organisation? Better workplace mental health support can save UK businesses up to £8 billion annually. But what does ‘better’ look like?


"There is a direct correlation between a supportive workplace culture and employee retention," explains Claire Williams, chief people officer at Ciphr. "Mental health awareness eLearning is a powerful tool for cultivating that culture, making your organisation a place where people genuinely want to stay and thrive."

What Ciphr’s mental health eLearning covers

Our comprehensive suite of mental health eLearning courses is designed to meet the diverse needs of your organisation. Our modules cover essential topics, including:

  • Understand mental health: Defining mental health, common conditions, and dispelling myths
  • Recognise the signs: how to identify early warning signs in yourself and others
  • Building resilience: Practical techniques for coping with stress and adversity
  • Supportive conversations: How to approach sensitive topics with empathy and signpost to appropriate resources
  • Self-care strategies: tips to promote personal wellbeing and healthy habits
  • Manager responsibilities: Legal obligations, fostering a mentally healthy team environment, and leading with empathy

Each course features engaging content created by experts, interactive elements, and practical scenarios to ensure a memorable and impactful learning experience.


"Design is a major component in helping people navigate difficult topics, like mental health," explains Meg Halpin-Webster, associate instructional designer at Ciphr. "It’s about making learning stick, allowing individuals to master challenging concepts in a way that makes sense to them."

More power to your people

Mental health awareness and education are an investment in your people, your culture, and your business's long-term success.

Discover how our off-the-shelf and customisable mental health eLearning solutions can make your workplace the best it can be.

Let us help you create a workplace where mental wellbeing is prioritised, understood, and supported.