Mental health in the workplace is one of the most significant challenges facing employers today. Across Scotland, businesses of all sizes are recognising that supporting the wellbeing of their staff is not only a moral responsibility but also a smart business move. One of the most effective ways to do this is by investing in Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA) training.
But who actually benefits most when companies invest in SMHFA training? While the truth is that everyone in a business can gain something, some groups and roles experience greater advantages. In this blog, we’ll take an in-depth look at who benefits most, why it matters, and how your business can maximise the impact of SMHFA training.
What is SMHFA Training?
SMHFA stands for Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid. It is a nationally recognised programme that equips people with the knowledge and confidence to:
- Recognise the early signs of poor mental health.
- Respond appropriately during mental health crises.
- Provide supportive listening without judgement.
- Encourage individuals to seek professional help when needed.
Much like physical first aid, SMHFA doesn’t train people to become mental health professionals. Instead, it focuses on giving employees practical skills to support themselves and their colleagues. Delivered over approximately 12 hours, the training uses real-world scenarios and interactive exercises to make learning engaging and relevant to the workplace.
For Scottish businesses, SMHFA is fast becoming a cornerstone of workplace wellbeing strategies.
Why Mental Health Support is Critical in Businesses
Before identifying who benefits most, it’s essential to understand why mental health training matters in the workplace.
Absenteeism and Presenteeism
Poor mental health accounts for a significant proportion of workplace absences across the UK. In addition to this, presenteeism—where employees are physically present but unable to perform at full capacity due to stress or anxiety—creates hidden costs for businesses.
Staff Retention
Employees who feel unsupported are more likely to leave their jobs. Recruitment and training costs for replacements are high, and frequent turnover affects team morale. A workplace that prioritises mental health creates loyalty and reduces unnecessary departures.
Legal and Ethical Duties
Scottish employers have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of their employees. Increasingly, this includes mental wellbeing. SMHFA helps businesses meet these obligations by demonstrating proactive support.
Company Reputation
In a competitive job market, candidates and clients alike look for organisations that value people. A business known for supporting mental wellbeing is more attractive and trustworthy.
Who Benefits Most from SMHFA Training?
While everyone in the workplace can benefit, certain groups gain the most direct advantages from SMHFA training.
1. Managers and Team Leaders
Managers are often the first point of contact for employees who are struggling. SMHFA equips them with the tools to:
- Spot early warning signs of stress, burnout, or depression.
- Start meaningful, supportive conversations.
- Reduce the risk of small problems escalating into crises.
- Build more trusting relationships with their teams.
When managers are confident in addressing mental health, the overall workplace culture improves.
2. HR, Wellbeing, and Health & Safety Teams
HR and wellbeing staff play a vital role in shaping policies, handling sensitive issues, and supporting employees. With SMHFA, these professionals gain:
- A deeper understanding of real-life challenges employees face.
- Stronger tools to design effective wellbeing strategies.
- Better alignment between mental health initiatives and organisational policies.
Health & safety representatives also benefit by integrating mental health alongside physical safety, ensuring a holistic approach to employee wellbeing.
3. Frontline and Customer-Facing Staff
Employees who deal directly with customers, clients, or patients are often exposed to stress, conflict, or emotional strain. For these staff, SMHFA provides:
- Tools to manage stress and emotional demands.
- Improved resilience in dealing with difficult situations.
- Awareness of their own mental health, reducing burnout.
In industries such as retail, hospitality, healthcare, and construction, frontline workers stand to gain significant support from SMHFA.
4. Staff in High-Stress Industries
Certain industries naturally involve higher levels of stress and unpredictability. Examples include:
- Construction and trades: Long hours, physical risk, and often a culture that discourages talking about mental health.
- Social care and healthcare: Emotional labour, exposure to trauma, and demanding workloads.
- Emergency services: High-stakes decision-making and exposure to crises.
For these industries, SMHFA is particularly impactful, helping staff cope better and building a supportive culture that reduces stigma.
5. Senior Leaders and Executives
Leadership buy-in is essential for embedding a culture of mental health support. Senior leaders who complete SMHFA training:
- Understand the importance of investing in mental health initiatives.
- Can allocate resources and shape strategies effectively.
- Demonstrate commitment, which inspires confidence throughout the organisation.
When leaders actively participate, the benefits ripple across the entire workforce.
6. New Employees and Induction Groups
Introducing SMHFA awareness early in an employee’s journey sets the tone for a supportive workplace culture. New staff feel reassured that their wellbeing matters, which strengthens engagement and early retention.
7. Employees with Lived Experience of Mental Health Issues
Employees who have personally faced mental health challenges often find SMHFA training validating and empowering. They may:
- Feel less isolated and more supported.
- Be inspired to act as peer supporters or champions.
- Share their experiences to reduce stigma for others.
Business Types That Benefit Most
The type of organisation also influences who benefits most from SMHFA training.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
SMEs often lack dedicated HR or wellbeing departments. SMHFA introduces much-needed structure and skills, with even small investments having a noticeable impact on morale and retention.
Large Organisations
Bigger businesses benefit from training staff across different departments, ensuring support is available at all levels. With more resources, they can sustain SMHFA through refresher sessions and ongoing programmes.
High-Risk Work Environments
Workplaces where stigma or silence around mental health exists—such as construction sites or male-dominated industries—gain significant cultural change from SMHFA training.
Organisations Undergoing Change
Businesses facing mergers, restructuring, or growth often experience high employee stress. SMHFA helps staff navigate uncertainty and reduces turnover during transitions.
How Benefits Are Maximised
Not all benefits are automatic. To get the most out of SMHFA training, businesses should:
- Train the right mix of staff – start with managers, HR, and high-stress teams.
- Ensure leadership involvement – when leaders are visible, culture shifts faster.
- Communicate the purpose – explain to staff why SMHFA matters and how it helps.
- Provide ongoing support – refresher training and peer networks strengthen impact.
- Embed SMHFA in policies – update wellbeing, absence, and HR policies to reflect new skills.
Evidence of Impact
Research consistently shows that mental health first aid programmes increase knowledge, confidence, and willingness to support others. For businesses, this translates to:
- Reduced absenteeism: Early intervention prevents extended sick leave.
- Improved productivity: Supported employees are more focused and engaged.
- Higher retention: Staff are more likely to stay where they feel valued.
- Better workplace culture: Openness replaces stigma, improving morale.
For Scottish businesses, these outcomes represent both financial savings and cultural improvements that strengthen long-term success.
How EmCare Delivers SMHFA Training
At EmCare, our EmCare Training team specialises in delivering SMHFA and other mental health training across Scotland. We ensure that training is:
- Accredited and high quality – delivered by qualified trainers with experience.
- Flexible – offered onsite, online, or at open courses.
- Tailored – designed to reflect the realities of your industry and workforce.
- Comprehensive – part of a full suite of mental health courses that complement wider wellbeing strategies.
Learn more about our training programmes on the EmCare Training page.
Practical Steps for Businesses Considering SMHFA
If you’re planning to introduce SMHFA, here’s a step-by-step guide to implementation:
- Assess Needs: Review absence records, staff surveys, and feedback to identify priority areas.
- Choose the Right Staff: Start with managers, HR, and high-stress teams before expanding.
- Schedule Training: Plan sessions at times that minimise disruption.
- Communicate Clearly: Let staff know why SMHFA is being introduced and what they can expect.
- Monitor Outcomes: Track absence rates, retention, and staff satisfaction.
- Expand Gradually: Add more trained staff across teams and shifts.
- Sustain and Refresh: Provide follow-ups and integrate SMHFA into long-term strategy.
Conclusion
Everyone in a workplace can benefit from SMHFA training, but managers, HR teams, frontline staff, senior leaders, and employees in high-stress industries often see the most immediate and lasting advantages. By embedding SMHFA into your organisation, you not only support your staff’s wellbeing but also strengthen your business through reduced absence, improved productivity, and a healthier workplace culture.
At EmCare, we deliver high-quality SMHFA training tailored to the needs of Scottish businesses. You can get in touch via our Contact page or call us on 0141 404 0075 to discuss how SMHFA can make a difference in your workplace.
