IASP Special Interest Group - Suicide and the Workplace
Dear IASP Members,
Most people who die by suicide around the globe are of working age, but very few suicide prevention programs target the workplace as a venue for suicide prevention. The workplace provides opportunities for suicide prevention that have not been realized. For instance, workplaces offer people in potential distress social connection and a purpose that may help sustain them during difficult times. In many instances workplaces are also already situated to disseminate public health messages, and in some cases even refer people to mental health services such as Employee Assistance Services. Depending on the number of hours worked, co-workers often spend more time with the person involved and may be able to recognize changes in mood and behavior because of this contact.
Finally, suicide affects the social and financial functioning of the workplace. Whether it is ideation, attempts or completion, morale and productivity are impacted significantly. Thus, while often challenging to engage, the workplace offers a unique contribution to a public health approach to suicide, and increased efforts to develop policy, protocols, and programs for this critical sector of society are needed.
For these reasons, IASP has recently developed a Suicide and the Workplace Special Interest Group with the following goals:
- Objective #1: Expand the study of suicide and workplace issues.
- Objective #2: Develop model policies and protocols for workplaces to adopt.
- Objective #3: To share promising suicide prevention programs and training for the workplace.
If you would like to be a part of this Special Interest Group, please contact Sally Spencer-Thomas for more information, e-mail: Sally@CarsonJSpencer.org
Thank you,
Sally Spencer-Thomas, Executive Director, Carson J Spencer Foundation USA
Please browse Resources to find a selection of suicide prevention guides and training programs relating to workers and the workplace.
