In the modern workplace, employee mental health and wellbeing are no longer ancillary concerns but foundational pillars of a high-performing and sustainable organization. This training course is meticulously designed to equip leaders and HR professionals with the strategic frameworks and practical skills needed to create a culture of psychological safety where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive. By mastering the principles of mental health advocacy and wellbeing strategy, you can build a resilient workforce, reduce burnout, and unlock the full creative and productive potential of your teams. This program provides the essential blueprint for a forward-thinking organization that prioritizes people-centric leadership.

This comprehensive curriculum offers a practical deep dive into the complex topics of mental health and psychological safety, from recognizing early warning signs to implementing effective support systems. You will learn to navigate difficult conversations with empathy, design proactive wellbeing initiatives, and create an environment where open communication is encouraged without fear of judgment. The course focuses on real-world scenarios and interactive exercises, helping you to build the confidence and competence necessary to champion mental health awareness. By the end of this program, you will not only be proficient in wellbeing strategies but also be prepared to lead with a new level of empathy and build a workplace where everyone feels safe and supported.

Duration

5 days

Target Audience

• Senior executives and C-suite leaders
• HR directors and managers
• Team leaders and supervisors
• Employee wellbeing and wellness managers
• Organizational development specialists
• HR business partners
• Talent management and development leaders
• Anyone responsible for managing teams
• Mental health and wellness advocates
• Communications and public relations professionals

Objectives

• Understand the foundational concepts of mental health and wellbeing.
• Master the principles of creating psychological safety in teams.
• Recognize and respond to signs of mental distress and burnout.
• Develop a strategic plan for a comprehensive wellbeing program.
• Navigate difficult conversations with empathy and support.
• Reduce stigma around mental health in the workplace.
• Build a culture that supports open communication and trust.
• Understand the legal and ethical responsibilities of mental health in the workplace.
• Create a personal action plan for promoting mental health in your role.

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Workplace Mental Health

• The current state of mental health in the workplace.
• The link between mental wellbeing, performance, and productivity.
• Understanding burnout, stress, and anxiety.
• The role of leadership in creating a supportive environment.
• The business case for investing in mental health and wellbeing.

Module 2: Psychological Safety and Trust

• What is psychological safety and why is it essential.
• The four stages of psychological safety: inclusion, learner, contributor, challenger.
• Strategies for building trust and open communication.
• The impact of fear and judgment on team performance.
• Fostering a culture where it is safe to be vulnerable.

Module 3: Recognizing and Responding to Distress

• Early warning signs of mental distress and burnout.
• The importance of active listening and non-judgmental support.
• A framework for having a difficult conversation with an employee.
• Knowing when to refer an employee to professional resources.
• Understanding your role and your limitations as a leader.

Module 4: Building a Comprehensive Wellbeing Strategy

• The components of a holistic wellbeing program (physical, mental, financial).
• Designing initiatives that are accessible and inclusive.
• Leveraging technology and employee assistance programs (EAPs).
• Measuring the impact and ROI of wellbeing initiatives.
• Gaining buy-in from senior leadership and stakeholders.

Module 5: Empathy and Inclusive Leadership

• The role of empathy in modern leadership.
• Developing emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
• How to lead with compassion and cultural intelligence.
• The impact of diverse perspectives on psychological safety.
• Creating an inclusive environment where all voices are heard.

Module 6: Policy, Compliance, and Legal Considerations

• Understanding legal requirements related to mental health in the workplace.
• The importance of a clear and supportive mental health policy.
• Data privacy and confidentiality in wellbeing programs.
• How to handle mental health-related accommodations.
• The ethical responsibilities of leaders and HR professionals.

Module 7: Sustainable Leadership and Resilience

• The importance of self-care and preventing leader burnout.
• Strategies for managing personal stress and building resilience.
• Creating a support system for leaders and managers.
• The role of post-incident review and debriefing.
• A personal action plan for leading with a focus on wellbeing.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.