How to Prevent Suicide at Work - WHO

Work that is interesting and fulfilling is good for mental health, but
a negative working environment or work-related stressors can lead to
physical and mental health problems. It is important for employers and
others in positions of responsibility in the workplace to put in place
measures to promote the good mental health of their employees, and to
have a plan for supporting employees and colleagues with mental health
conditions or who may be at risk of suicide.

Signs to look out for

• Expression of thoughts or feelings about wanting to end
their life, or talking about feeling hopeless or having no
reason to live;

• expression of feelings of isolation, loneliness,
hopelessness or loss of self-esteem, or dwelling
on problems;

• withdrawal from colleagues, decrease in work
performance or difficulty completing tasks;

• changes in behaviour, such as restlessness, irritability,
impulsivity, recklessness or aggression;

• speaking about arranging end-of-life personal affairs
such as making a will, or concrete plans for suicide;
• abuse of alcohol or other substances;

• depressed mood or mentioning of previous suicidal
behaviour; and/or

• bullying or harassment.

Particular attention should be paid to people who are losing
their job.
What you can do if you are worried about a colleague

• Express empathy and concern, encourage them to talk,
and listen without judgment.
• Ask if there is anyone they would like to call
or have called.

• Encourage them to reach out to health or counselling
services inside the organization, if available, or otherwise
outside the organization, and offer to call or go
there together.

• If your colleague has attempted to or indicates that
they are about to intentionally harm themselves,
remove access to means and do not leave them alone.
Seek immediate support from staff health services, if
available, or health services outside of the organization.
What you can do as an employer or a manager.

• Provide information sessions for your staff on mental
health and suicide prevention. Ensure all staff know
what resources are available for support, both within the
organization and in the local community.

• Foster a work environment in which colleagues feel
comfortable talking about problems that have an impact
on their ability to do their job effectively and supporting
each other during difficult times.

• Become familiar with relevant legislation.
• Identify and reduce work-related stressors which can
negatively impact mental health.

• Design and implement a plan for how to sensitively
manage and communicate the suicide or suicide
attempt of an employee in a way that minimizes further
distress. Measures should include the availability of
trained health workers and support services for staff.