Why should mental health training for managers be at the top of your HR agenda?

Mental health in the workplace is no longer just a nice-to-have consideration—it’s a business necessity. With stress, anxiety, and burnout on the rise, managers are often the first line of defence when it comes to supporting employees. But here’s the catch: most managers aren’t trained to handle mental health challenges.

So, why should mental health training for managers be a top priority for your HR agenda? 



The impact of poor mental health on your business

When employees struggle with their mental wellbeing, it doesn’t just affect them—it impacts the whole organisation. High-stress levels can lead to:

  • Increased absenteeism and presenteeism (when employees show up but aren’t fully productive)

  • Higher staff turnover, leading to costly recruitment and training

  • Lower morale and engagement, which drags down overall performance


In contrast, businesses that invest in mental health training see improved team cohesion, stronger leadership, and a healthier workplace culture.

What does mental health training for managers actually involve?

Mental health training isn’t about turning managers into therapists—it’s about equipping them with the skills to:

  • Recognise early signs of mental health struggles and resolve them to help managers concentrate on other organisational issues.

  • Have open and supportive conversations with employees to understand their points of view regarding different aspects.

  • Know when and how to signpost staff to get proper professional support, which helps improve the employees' mindsets.

  • Foster a culture where people feel safe discussing mental health so that they do not get stressed and disturbed at the workplace.


With the right training, managers become proactive rather than reactive, preventing small issues from escalating into major crises.

The legal and ethical side of things

It’s not just about doing the right thing—there’s also a legal angle. Neglecting mental health could mean breaching legal obligations, leading to potential claims and reputational damage.

By training managers, businesses can demonstrate that they take their duty of care seriously, reducing risks and creating a safer working environment.


Prioritising mental health training for managers isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about creating a healthier, more resilient workforce. When managers are equipped with the right tools, employees feel supported, productivity improves, and businesses thrive.


So, is mental health training on your HR agenda yet? If not, now’s the time to change that. Work with The Wellbeing Project, using the People Centric Manager Programme, which can help transform your managers into highly resilient people and leaders.


Also Read: Supporting Managers to Create a Wellbeing Culture


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