SAMSON TRAINING

Where Experience Meets Excellence

Soft Skills

Development of a Mental Health Programme for the HR Function

This practical and professionally focused course equips HR professionals with the knowledge, tools, and strategic framework needed to develop, implement, and sustain an effective workplace mental health programme.

As organisations increasingly recognise the impact of psychological wellbeing on performance, engagement, retention, and organisational culture, HR functions play a critical leadership role in creating mentally healthy workplaces. This course provides participants with a structured understanding of workplace mental health, legal and ethical considerations, early intervention strategies, and organisational best practices.

Participants will explore how to move beyond reactive wellbeing initiatives toward a proactive, evidence-based mental health strategy aligned with organisational objectives and employee needs.

Course Outline

Introduction to Workplace Mental Health
• Definition of workplace mental health
• Importance of mental health in organisational performance
• Common workplace mental health challenges
• Role of HR in supporting employee wellbeing

Understanding Organisational Mental Health Risks
• Psychosocial hazards in the workplace
• Work-related stress factors
• Impact of workload, environment, and management practices
• Identifying at-risk groups within organisations

Legal and Organisational Responsibilities
• Employer duties relating to employee wellbeing
• HR responsibilities in policy development
• Importance of risk assessment for psychosocial hazards
• Aligning mental health programmes with compliance requirements

Developing a Mental Health Programme Framework
• Key components of a workplace mental health programme
• Creating structured policies and procedures
• Integrating mental health into HR strategy
• Aligning with organisational values and culture

Mental Health Policies and Procedures
• Developing mental health and wellbeing policies
• Absence management and return-to-work processes
• Confidentiality and data protection considerations
• Supporting employees through structured procedures

Early Intervention and Support Strategies
• Recognising early signs of mental health concerns
• HR-led intervention approaches
• Referral pathways and support systems
• Encouraging employee engagement with support services

Communication and Awareness
• Promoting mental health awareness across the organisation
• Reducing stigma in the workplace
• Effective communication strategies for HR teams
• Encouraging open and supportive workplace conversations

Training and Manager Support
• Supporting managers in handling sensitive situations
• Defining management responsibilities
• Providing guidance and training to leadership teams
• Creating consistency in organisational response

Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
• Measuring effectiveness of mental health programmes
• Reviewing policies and procedures
• Gathering employee feedback
• Maintaining ongoing organisational awareness

Who the Course Is For

Who the Course Is For

This course is suitable for individuals responsible for employee wellbeing, HR strategy, and organisational development, including:

• Human Resources Managers & Directors
• HR Business Partners
• Workplace Wellbeing Leads
• Organisational Development Professionals
• Senior Management Teams
• Operations Managers
• Health & Safety Managers
• EHS Managers
• Employee Relations Specialists

No prior mental health programme development experience is required.

Why This Training Is Important

Organisational Risk Management
Poorly managed workplace stress and mental health risks can impact employee wellbeing, productivity, and retention

Legal Responsibility
Employers must manage psychosocial risks as part of their overall health and safety obligations

Workplace Culture
Structured mental health programmes support positive workplace culture and employee engagement

Compliance
Training supports organisational duties under Irish workplace health and safety legislation

Course Objectives

Participants will:

• Understand workplace mental health risks and organisational impact
• Identify psychosocial hazards and contributing factors
• Develop structured mental health programme frameworks
• Create effective policies and procedures
• Support early intervention and employee wellbeing
• Promote a positive and supportive workplace culture
• Align HR practices with organisational compliance requirements

Course Format & Delivery

Instructor-led training

• Interactive discussion and scenario-based learning
• Practical HR-focused frameworks and examples
• Workplace case study analysis

Delivered:

• Onsite at client premises

The course focuses on practical programme development and organisational application rather than theory-only instruction.

Irish Legislation Supported

This training supports employer obligations under:

• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007

Irish legislation requires employers to:

• Ensure employee health, safety, and welfare
• Identify and manage workplace risks, including psychosocial hazards
• Implement preventative measures
• Provide appropriate training, policies, and support systems

Why Choose Samson Training

Samson Training delivers professional workplace training focused on practical organisational development and risk management.

Our approach emphasises:

• Practical programme development frameworks
• Clear HR and management responsibilities
• Real workplace scenarios and challenges
• Structured and consistent delivery
• Prevention-led organisational strategies

We position mental health programme development as a core organisational responsibility — not a standalone wellbeing initiative.

FAQ's

What is a workplace mental health programme?
A workplace mental health programme is a structured approach to supporting employee wellbeing through policies, procedures, awareness initiatives, and support systems.

Who should develop a mental health programme?
HR professionals, supported by senior management and health & safety teams, typically lead the development and implementation of mental health programmes.

Is mental health training required for organisations in Ireland?
Employers must manage workplace risks, including psychosocial risks, as part of their health and safety obligations.

Does this course include policy development guidance?
Yes. The course provides practical guidance on developing and implementing mental health policies and frameworks.

Key Info:

Duration: Typically delivered as a 1/2 day Development of a Mental Health Programme for the HR Function Training course / Flexible delivery options available depending on organisational requirements.
Participants: Up to 12
Structure: Onsite at client premises
Availability: August 28 | September 29

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