The Business Benefits of Workplace Mental Health
Organisations that invest in workplace mental health often achieve:
- Reduced absenteeism and presenteeism
- Stronger employee engagement and retention
- Improved leadership capability
- Greater psychological safety
- Better communication and collaboration
- Reduced workplace conflict
- Increased organisational resilience
- Stronger health and safety culture
- Improved productivity and performance
- Enhanced employer reputation
Workplace Mental Health by the Numbers
Research consistently demonstrates that investing in workplace mental health benefits both employees and organisations.
- The World Health Organization estimates that depression and anxiety result in the loss of approximately 12 billion working days globally each year, with a significant impact on productivity.
- The International Organization for Standardization developed ISO 45003, the world’s first international standard providing guidance on managing psychological health and safety at work.
- The Health and Safety Authority recognises work-related stress and psychosocial hazards as important workplace health and safety considerations that employers should assess and manage.
- Organisations that invest in psychologically safe workplaces often experience stronger employee engagement, better collaboration, improved innovation and increased organisational resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workplace Mental Health Training and Consultancy
What is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised training programme that equips employees, managers and leaders with the knowledge and practical skills to recognise the early signs of mental health challenges, provide initial support and guide individuals towards appropriate professional help. Mental Health First Aid is not about diagnosing or treating mental illness. Instead, it helps create a more supportive, psychologically safe workplace where employees feel confident discussing mental health and accessing support when needed.
Is Mental Health First Aid suitable for managers and supervisors?
Yes. Managers and supervisors play a critical role in creating mentally healthy workplaces. Mental Health First Aid training helps leaders recognise signs of stress, anxiety, burnout and other mental health challenges, have supportive conversations with employees and respond appropriately while maintaining professional boundaries. Many organisations choose to train managers, HR professionals and Mental Health First Aiders together to strengthen leadership capability and workplace culture.
How long is Mental Health First Aid certification valid?
Certification periods vary depending on the specific programme completed. EHS International also offers refresher training to help Mental Health First Aiders maintain their knowledge, confidence and practical skills while keeping up to date with current best practice and emerging workplace wellbeing challenges.
What is a psychosocial risk assessment?
A psychosocial risk assessment identifies workplace factors that may negatively affect employees’ psychological health and wellbeing. These may include excessive workloads, unrealistic deadlines, poor communication, bullying, harassment, workplace conflict, organisational change, remote working challenges or a lack of managerial support. Identifying these risks allows organisations to implement practical measures that protect employee wellbeing while improving organisational performance and resilience.
What are psychosocial hazards?
Psychosocial hazards are aspects of work that have the potential to cause psychological or physical harm. Examples include excessive workload, long working hours, unclear roles, poor workplace relationships, violence or aggression, bullying, harassment, fatigue, inadequate support and poorly managed organisational change. Managing psychosocial hazards is becoming an increasingly important part of modern workplace health and safety management.
Are employers in Ireland required to manage workplace mental health?
Employers have legal responsibilities under Irish health and safety legislation to provide, as far as reasonably practicable, a safe place of work. This includes identifying and managing workplace risks that may affect both physical and psychological health. Organisations are increasingly expected to consider psychosocial hazards such as workplace stress, bullying, harassment and excessive workloads as part of their overall health and safety management systems. Taking a proactive approach to workplace mental health also supports employee wellbeing, organisational resilience and long-term business performance.
Can workplace mental health training be delivered at our premises?
Yes. EHS International delivers workplace mental health training throughout Ireland at client premises, allowing organisations to train teams together in a familiar working environment. We also deliver scheduled public courses at our training centres in Cork and Dublin for organisations or individuals wishing to attend open programmes.
Do you offer online workplace mental health training?
Yes. We provide a range of instructor-led online workplace mental health programmes alongside classroom-based training. Online delivery enables organisations with multiple locations or remote employees to access high-quality training while maintaining engagement, interaction and practical learning outcomes.
Can EHS International help us develop a workplace mental health policy?
Absolutely. Alongside accredited training, EHS International provides consultancy services that help organisations develop practical workplace mental health policies, wellbeing strategies and organisational procedures. We work with leadership teams, HR professionals and health and safety specialists to create policies that reflect best practice, support compliance and contribute to healthier workplace cultures.
Which organisations benefit from workplace mental health training?
Workplace mental health training benefits organisations of every size and sector. We regularly support clients across manufacturing, construction, engineering, pharmaceutical, healthcare, education, retail, financial services, technology, utilities, logistics, hospitality, local authorities and the public sector. Every workplace can benefit from stronger leadership, improved psychological safety and greater awareness of employee wellbeing.
What is psychological safety, and why is it important?
Psychological safety is a workplace culture where employees feel comfortable speaking up, asking questions, sharing ideas and raising concerns without fear of blame or negative consequences. Organisations with high levels of psychological safety often experience stronger collaboration, increased innovation, improved employee engagement and a more proactive approach to managing workplace risks.
How can workplace mental health improve business performance?
Investing in workplace mental health can help organisations reduce absenteeism and presenteeism, improve employee engagement, strengthen leadership capability, enhance staff retention and create more resilient teams. A positive workplace culture also supports productivity, attracts talent and demonstrates a genuine commitment to employee wellbeing, making organisations more sustainable and competitive.
Why choose EHS International for workplace mental health training and consultancy?
EHS International combines specialist workplace mental health expertise with one of Ireland’s leading health, safety and organisational performance teams. Led by Louise Dennison O’Shaughnessy, our Mental Health and Wellbeing division delivers accredited training, psychosocial risk assessments, leadership development, workplace wellbeing consultancy and organisational support tailored to the needs of each client. Our practical, evidence-informed approach helps organisations create psychologically safe workplaces where both people and businesses can thrive.
Who We Work With
- Construction – Supporting psychological safety, fatigue management and worker wellbeing in high-risk environments.
- Manufacturing – Helping organisations strengthen safety culture while managing workplace stress, shift work and employee wellbeing.
- Healthcare – Supporting healthcare professionals through resilience training, leadership development and workplace wellbeing programmes.
- Financial Services – Helping organisations reduce burnout, strengthen leadership capability and improve employee engagement.
- Education – Supporting educators, school leaders and support staff in creating healthier learning and working environments.
- Public Sector – Developing resilient teams, effective leaders and mentally healthy workplace cultures across public services.
Testimonials:
“I recently attended the Mental Health in the Workplace training course conducted by Louise, alongside some colleagues in MCi Manorhamilton. The programme not only provided invaluable insights into mental health challenges in the workplace but also equipped our team with practical strategies to support our colleagues effectively. Louise was very personable and created a relaxed and conformable space for us to engage and learn. I would highly recommend Louise as a trainer, and this training for any workplace.”
“I would like to thank Louise for speaking at our AGM, Louise provided a talk on “Supporting your teenager’s mental health while taking care of your own.” Her talk was insightful and thought provoking, without a doubt she left audience with a better understanding of the mental health challenges we face in our daily lives, and more important, how to correctly support ourselves first, and then others. Her approach was a real world practical approach filled with real examples. It was clear from the Q and A at the end, that her talk was showing the need for further discussion/training. This type knowledge is critical in our lives both in work and at home. I would highly recommend Louise and the courses she delivers to any organisation.”
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“Our team recently completed the Mental Health Champion training programme with Louise from The Dennison Training Academy. The programme not only provided invaluable insights into mental health challenges in the workplace but also equipped our team with practical strategies to support our colleagues effectively. Louise was fantastic, creating a safe and engaging learning environment. I would highly recommend this transformative training in any workplace.”
Ready to Strengthen Workplace Mental Health?
Whether you’re looking to train Mental Health First Aiders, develop confident managers, undertake psychosocial risk assessments or build a long-term workplace wellbeing strategy, EHS International is here to help.
Our experienced Mental Health and Wellbeing team works with organisations across Ireland to create psychologically safe, resilient and high-performing workplaces through practical consultancy, accredited training and ongoing organisational support.
Contact our team today to discuss your organisation’s workplace mental health objectives.



