Red Cross will now be offering mental health workshops for the workplace.

Red Cross trainer, Anthony Cameron said mental health training is as equally important as traditional first aid training.

“Mental illness is statistically very common and with people spending so much time at work it is likely a person may display warning signs at work,” said Cameron.

Red Cross has developed a collection of training workshops called Mental Health Matters designed to help employees and management cope with mental health issues and create mentally healthy workplaces.

“Research shows that more than six million working days are lost every year in Australia due to mental illness,” said Cameron.

“Creating a mentally healthy workplace leads to less absenteeism, better creativity and productivity, as well as improved physical health.”

A PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) report explains that businesses that invest in positive mental health practices are more likely to see reduced illness in the workplace and teams that perform and thrive, returning an average of $2.30 for every $1 spent on mental health training.

Red Cross said those interested can book a Mental Health Matters workshop by phoning 1300 367 428.