Staff Writer
World Suicide Prevention Day 10 September 2023 marked . This annual date is for everyone to come together to raise awareness of how to create a world where fewer people die by suicide.
10 September 2023 marked World Suicide Prevention Day. This annual date is for everyone to come together to raise awareness of how to create a world where fewer people die by suicide.
As an employer, navigating a topic such as suicide in the workplace and supporting those who are affected by it can be tricky. Employers need to be mindful of being vocal about the topic to raise awareness and show support but at the same time, they must be conscious of the sensitivity of the subject and the effect it can have on some employees.
A recent survey of 2000 adults working in the UK by Mental Health First Aid England revealed that only 1 in 10 know to ask a colleague if they are concerned about whether they have a plan to end their life and around 40% of participants said they did not know if asking the question was the correct thing to do.
So what can employers do?
- Review their employee benefit offering – do you have an employee assistance programme (EAP)? Do any of the insurance schemes offered (such as private medical) include an option to add mental health counselling or therapy?
- Regularly make clear to employees the availability of support e.g. EAP, any mental health services included in private medical insurance etc. Employers should ensure all employees know how to access it inside and outside of working hours and how to access the services confidentially.
- Consider introducing mental health champions or mental health first aid training within the workplace.
- Share appropriate resources to raise awareness of mental health at work.
- Consider training for line managers to be able to have open conversations with employees and to not be afraid to check in with an employee where they are concerned about their mental health and potential suicidal thoughts.
- Review and revise (or introduce as necessary) clear processes for where an employee is suicidal and how you can help and support that employee. Repeat to ensure there are clear processes in place where you need to support a colleague or co-worker after a suicide.