Thursday 22 January 2025: Companies that prioritise mental and physical health first aid training in the workplace can boost employee performance  while reducing the cost of sick leave and staff turnover, St John Ambulance says.

There is a strong economic argument for employer investment in wellbeing. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), an estimated 33.7million working days were lost in 2023/23 due to work-related ill health and workplace injury. This includes absences caused by stress, and depression.

The HSE also estimates the total cost of workplace injuries and new cases of work-related ill health for employers is £21.6 billion annually, underscoring the need for a proactive approach to employee wellbeing. 

Lisa Sharman, Head of Education and Commercial Training at St John Ambulance, invited organisations to follow the lead taken by other companies in their sector to give their employees a safe environment to work in: “In 2024 alone, St John Ambulance trained 196,000 delegates and delivered 36,900 courses, equipping workplaces with essential skills that save lives and prevent injuries.

“These efforts contributed to thousands of employees feeling confident to act in emergencies, from performing CPR to supporting colleagues facing mental health challenges. The training has helped organisations reduce response times to incidents, minimise downtime, and foster a safer, healthier workplace culture.

“Workplace first aid training not only helps companies throughout England meet their legal and financial requirements – it demonstrates leadership in workplace welfare and the safeguarding of thousands of employees.

“A comprehensive physical and mental health first aid strategy has the potential to transform your organisation, demonstrating a genuine commitment to welfare.

“Done well, it signals a proactive approach and can turn first aid from an emergency response system into an integral part of a thriving, supportive and health-conscious culture.

“Investment in workplace training also enhances reputation. Organisations that advocate wellbeing boost their brand trust and attract top talent, with 88 per cent of UK employees now considering wellbeing to be as important a factor as salary."

“This ROI also extends to collaboration – teams equipped with the skills to handle both physical emergencies and sensitive conversations about mental health and wellbeing improves communication and workplace harmony.” 

“Workplace first aid regulations are not just a legal formality, but a crucial part of employee safety that require serious attention. It is no longer just about meeting minimum legal requirements, but strategically investing in your employees’ health, safety and wellbeing.”

“By training colleagues in physical and mental health first aid, organisations can both prevent and respond to life-threatening emergencies, while enhancing employee satisfaction through nurturing a culture of care.

“The benefits of investing in first aid training extend far beyond compliance – they show that your organisation genuinely values the health of its people, creating a resilient, capable and engaged workforce.

“By equipping colleagues with the skills to respond to emergencies and support mental health, businesses can create a culture of care that enhances resilience, reduces costs, and drives performance.”

“At St John Ambulance, we’re proud to support organisations in transforming workplace health.” 

 The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) mandates that employers provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure immediate attention for employees who are injured or become ill at work.

St John Ambulance provides a range of tools to help organisations meet the regulations and simplify their planning, including online calculators that help determine the recommended number of first aiders and first aid kits.

St John Ambulance also provides a range of First Aid and Mental Health First Aid training courses  that adopt a uniquely practical approach to creating competent and confident workplace first aiders.

For more information, and to book a training course with St John Ambulance, visit Workplace Training.