Bridging the Mental Health Support Gap: WeCARE™ and Mental Health First Aid Explained
In navigating the complexities of mental health support within the workplace, our discussions with numerous leaders across various organizations often center on finding the most effective strategies to address the issue. One crucial aspect is the distinction between prevention and crisis management, which is fundamental to understanding the role and impact of training programs like Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and WeCARE™.
A common question arises:
"We've implemented Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training—why are we not seeing a reduction in absenteeism or an increase in productivity?"
While MHFA is a valuable tool for equipping staff with the skills to address mental health crises, it's important to recognize its limitations, particularly in the areas of early intervention and a supportive culture. Addressing this gap requires understanding the unique contributions of each approach.
MHFA was initially developed to equip those outside the mental health profession, especially those working in healthcare, with the necessary skills to tackle mental health emergencies.
Rooted in a clinical framework, it uses professional terminology to guide the immediate recognition and assistance of individuals facing mental health crises. Simplified, MHFA functions similarly to a first-aid course but is specifically designed for mental health. It educates workplace participants on identifying signs of a mental health crisis and the initial steps to take, providing essential support until professional medical help is available.
WeCARE embraces a forward-thinking approach to mental health with its ICARE framework, which embodies core principles designed to foster a culture of proactive support in the workplace.
WeCARE is an evidence-based, non-clinical approach that is user-friendly, bilingual, optimized for accessibility, and streamlined for a seamless experience in under 40 minutes. It aims to empower individuals within an organization to recognize signs of distress early on, encouraging open conversations about mental health and providing support without attempting to solve or fix the underlying issues directly. 'Identify' is about noticing early signs of mental health issues among colleagues. 'Compassion' involves offering empathy and care when they are struggling. 'Access Experts' refers to connecting those individuals with professional help when needed. 'Revitalizing Work' creates a dynamic and supportive work environment, while 'Exercise' promotes physical activities supporting mental health.
Expanding the Focus Beyond Crisis Intervention
Burnout and employee turnover are significant indicators of a workplace's mental health environment. High levels of burnout often lead to disengagement, decreased productivity, and, eventually, a decision to leave the organization, contributing to high turnover rates. This turnover affects the organization's operational capabilities and imposes a financial burden due to the costs of recruiting and training new employees.
57% of employees are considering leaving their current positions for roles that offer more substantial well-being support. Source: Benefits Canada
This statistic reveals the silent struggle faced by many in the workplace. It underscores the critical need for organizations to implement specific mental health support measures and create a culture where employees feel seen, heard, and supported in their mental well-being.
“The problem with traditional workplace mental health programs is that they place the burden of reaching out for help on those who are unwell."
— Anyone who understands what it feels like to struggle with their mental health.
Individuals grappling with mental health challenges are often the least likely to reach out for help, making it imperative for employers to foster an environment where open discussions about mental health are normalized and encouraged.
While MHFA equips employees to handle crises, WeCARE helps stop little problems from getting bigger. It addresses the root causes of burnout and turnover by fostering a supportive culture that normalizes mental health across all levels of the organization. Leaders learn to identify signs of distress in themselves and others and can model this behaviour for their people. In turn, teammates will also be confident in their ability to lean in and support one another.
After completing WeCARE, 94% said they were more confident they could help a struggling colleague.
It's truly gratifying to support leaders on the journey to transforming their workplaces and witness what's possible—a more engaged, satisfied, and productive workforce that contributes to the organization's resilience and success.
We’re here to help.
Leading your organization towards a mentally healthy and caring culture is a significant responsibility. Consider our WeCARE™ for Leaders workshop that lays a solid foundation, providing you with essential tools and insights to initiate this journey. The WeCARE eLearning lifetime subscription and “Supporting Mental Health” Microcredential are included with your registration.
We offer a complimentary consultation to discuss your organization's challenges and needs. Together, we'll explore how we can further support you in this critical undertaking. Let us partner with you in creating an environment where everyone thrives.