Mental health first aid in the workplace: a reflexive thematic analysis of UK workers’ experiences

BACKGROUND: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is used in workplaces to improve mental health literacy, reduce stigma, and promote help-seeking. This paper explores how employees perceive and engage with MHFA in work settings. METHODS: This qualitative study was embedded within the EMPOWER cluster randomised controlled trial (Atanda et al., 2020). Twenty-four participants, including Mental Health First Aiders, recipients of MHFA support, employees, and senior managers, took part in semi-structured interviews. Guided by a relativist epistemological position, data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.(Atanda et al., 2020). FINDINGS: Three themes were identified: (1) ambiguity surrounding the purpose of MHFA; (2) uncertainty and scepticism regarding the role and effectiveness of MHFA (subthemes: Anticipated Stigma, MHFA not addressing core concerns affecting staff well-being); and (3) risks to personal relationships following disclosure. Participants questioned the purpose, boundaries, and organisational value of MHFA, contributing to reluctance to engage. Disclosure decisions were shaped by concerns about stigma, confidentiality, and potential impacts on workplace relationships and career progression. DISCUSSION: The findings suggest MHFA is most effective when part of a broader organisational commitment to employee wellbeing. Clarifying MHFA's purpose, addressing workplace stigma, and tackling organisational sources of distress may improve engagement and strengthen mental health initiatives. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04311203. Registered on 17 March 2020, protocol published in 2020.