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World Suicide Prevention Day: Empowering Employers to Support Their Employees
World Suicide Prevention Day, recognised on 10th September every year, serves as a solemn reminder of the global issue of suicide and the importance of mental health support. Suicide stands as the leading cause of death for men below the age of 45, and suicides amongst teenage girls and young women have almost doubled in recent years.
Thousands of people in the UK die by suicide every year and each life lost by suicide is preventable. With ‘Creating Hope Through Action’ being the theme for World Suicide Prevention Day from 2021-2023, it serves as a powerful reminder that our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those struggling.
Employers have a unique position to make a positive impact on their employees' mental health and well-being. A large portion of a person’s day is spent at work, making the workplace environment a key factor in influencing mental health. When employers prioritise supporting mental health, they not only contribute to the overall well-being of their employees but also create a workplace where employees can seek help if they are experiencing suicidal thoughts.
What Can Employers Do To ‘Create Hope Through Action’?
- Promoting Mental Health Awareness:
Organise mental health first-aider training sessions or workshops to educate employees about mental health, its signs, and available resources to help encourage open conversations about mental health. Offer access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide confidential counselling and support services along with sharing information about mental health helplines/resources that employees can reach out to.
- Management Training:
It is vital that supervisors and managers are provided with the appropriate training to recognise signs of distress in employees and be able to offer support. It is important to listen without judgement and refer employees to the appropriate resources such as contacting their GP or the Samaritans 24/7 helpline on 116 123.
- Creating a Supportive Environment:
Foster a workplace culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns with other employees and supervisors. Employees need to know that their concerns will be listened to with empathy and understanding. An environment that supports mental health also encourages early intervention that can prevent situations from escalating and becoming more severe.
- Workload Management:
By monitoring an employee’s workload, employers can identify and address excessive work demands that could contribute to stress and help prevent a burnout. It also allows employers to identify opportunities for adjustments such as moving deadlines, reallocating tasks or providing time-management resources. Encourage breaks and discourage a culture of overworking.
- Regular Check-Ins:
Mental health challenges can lead to feelings of isolation. Regular 1-2-1 check-ins offers opportunities for employees to discuss work-related concerns and express their feelings or any challenges they may be facing. Regular check-ins track an employee’s progress over time and help indicate whether their mental health is improving, staying consistent or worsening.
By taking proactive steps to create a compassionate and supportive workplace environment, employers can help contribute to the prevention of suicide. Remember, every action taken, no matter how small, can make a difference in someone's life.
For further HR support on the topic discussed or any other HR related issues, please contact us on 01656 336097 or email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to help!
