Employers can play a vital role in suicide prevention. Historically, suicide, mental health, and well-being have been underrepresented in workplace health and safety efforts, but this is changing. In some European countries, there are workplace standards for workplace psychosocial hazards that put workers at risk for suicide. Additionally, in France, employers have been made accountable for toxic workplaces and management practices that contributed to worker suicides.
Critical Steps Your Workplace Can Take Today to Prevent Suicide
CDC | Mar 2023
Why It's Critical to Start Talking About Suicide in the Workplace
Spring Health | Nov 2022
How to Spot Suicidal Behaviors in the Workplace
SHRM | Sep 2022
Workplace May Be Key to Preventing Suicide
SHRM | Sep 2022
Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention in the Workplace
Workplace Suicide Prevention | Jun 2022
Providing Intervention for People in Crisis
Security Management Magazine via SHRM | Jan 2022
Please complete the brief survey near the bottom of this page.
Hotlines
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 and/or (800) 273.8255
HopeLine (877) 235-4525
Crisis Text Line 741741
Suicide.org (800) 784-2433
Suicide.org State-by-State Hotlines
Wikipedia Hotlines by Country
Additional resources are organized under these headings:
Addressing Comments and Warning Signs
Know the Warning Signs
Prevention: Workplace Resources
Postvention: Coping With the Impact of Completed Suicides
Related Reading
September Observances
Addressing Comments and Warning Signs
Suicide threats should always be taken seriously. The human resource professional or the employee's supervisor may be the first person to identify a potentially suicidal employee, so it is critical to recognize the warning signs and encourage at-risk employees to seek help.
How should an employer respond when an employee makes suicidal statements?
SHRM HRQA
Learn more about dealing with suicidal ideation in the workplace
Job Accommodation Network
It's important as a manager to act quickly and gather information. You are not expected to do a suicide risk assessment, but asking questions can help determine appropriate next steps. Take all responses seriously.
Responding to Suicide Warning Signs
Cigna
Employers are put in a difficult spot, as they are concerned about the health and wellbeing of their employees, but must also respect an employee's privacy. While you may be tempted to offer comforting words to your employee during such trying times, it is important to avoid potentially asking unlawful medical questions of your employee.
What to Do When an Employee Threatens Suicide?
Littler | Feb 2020
Discussing suicidal remarks or an employee's mental state can be challenging. Find a private place to talk about your concerns regarding the worker's statements or behaviors. While unlikely, it is possible that the person's comments were casual remarks made in poor taste. Ask for clarification about what he meant by his comments and what may be causing him distress.
Concerns About Self-Harm
SHRM | Oct 2018
Know the Warning Signs
Risk of Suicide
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Risk Factors, Protective Factors and Warning Signs
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Recognizing Suicidal Behavior
WebMD
Prevention: Workplace Resources
Preventing Suicide: 5 Workplace Resources
US DOL
Suicide Prevention: 5 Things You Should Know
OSHA
The Role of Managers in Preventing Suicide in the Workplace
The Role of Co-Workers in Preventing Suicide in the Workplace
Additional Workplace Resources
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Employers' Role in Preventing Suicide
Insurance Thought Leadership
Comprehensive Blueprint for Workplace Suicide Prevention
National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention
Postvention: Coping With the Impact of Completed Suicides
A Guide to Suicide Postvention in the Workplace
Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Manager's Guide: 10 Action Steps for Dealing with the Aftermath of Suicide
National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention
Coping with the suicide of an employee
White Swan Foundation
Related Reading
HHS Announces Additional $200 Million in Funding for 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
SAMHSA | May 2023
You're Not Alone If You Have Suicidal Thoughts Because of Work
The Mighty | May 2023
September Observances
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (September)
National Alliance on Mental Illness
National Suicide Prevention Week (September 8-14, 2024)
World Suicide Prevention Day (Annually, September 10)
International Association for Suicide Prevention
Social Sharables
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
SHRM Members' Survey
Tell us what you think about the Express Request self-service feature in a few quick questions.
An organization run by AI is not a futuristic concept. Such technology is already a part of many workplaces and will continue to shape the labor market and HR. Here's how employers and employees can successfully manage generative AI and other AI-powered systems.
Related Content
HR must always include human intelligence and oversight of AI in decision-making in hiring and firing, a legal expert said at SHRM24. She added that HR can ensure compliance by meeting the strictest AI standards, which will be in Colorado’s upcoming AI law.
The proliferation of artificial intelligence in the workplace, and the ensuing expected increase in productivity and efficiency, could help usher in the four-day workweek, some experts predict.
Learn how Marsh McLennan successfully boosts staff well-being with digital tools, improving productivity and work satisfaction for more than 20,000 employees.