Suicide in the Workplace: Breaking the Silence

The pandemic. Loneliness and isolation. Escalating anxiety rates. These and other factors have shone a spotlight on mental health in recent years. In response, more employers are prioritizing employees’ overall well-being, including talking about preventing suicide in the workplace.  

Even so, mental health and suicide topics remain difficult to discuss, and employees still don’t think employers are doing enough to create work environments that support their mental health and help prevent behaviors like workplace bullying and suicide in the workplace. 

Key Findings from NAMI's Research

Recent research from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) illustrates this gap. NAMI’s survey of more than 2,000 adults 18 or older who work full-time at an organization with at least 100 employees revealed how today’s workforce thinks employers should be addressing mental health issues in the workplace.

For example, the 2024 NAMI poll found: 

• Employees want to talk about mental health, but they usually don’t

  A majority (74%) of employees say it’s appropriate to discuss mental health concerns at work, but only 58% of them said they would personally feel comfortable doing so. This disparity suggests employers need to raise the issue and reduce stigma through more mental health awareness and education. 

• Workers believe a positive workplace culture includes mental health training

  Most employees (83%) say training on mental health and well-being is an important part of creating a supportive workplace culture. 
  
  

• Employees expect employer-sponsored mental health coverage

  Almost all employees surveyed (92%) said employers should offer mental health insurance, which they consider another critical aspect of a positive workplace culture. 
  
  Interestingly, though, one in four respondents also admitted they don’t know whether their employer’s health plan provides mental health coverage, indicating a need for companies to more effectively communicate about their benefits packages. 

Preventing Suicide in the Workplace: Additional Insights

A Harris Poll of more than 1,000 full-time U.S. employees commissioned by the American Heart Association (AHA) revealed other surprising facts about mental health in the workplace from the employee perspective. In an AHA report about the research, a section entitled, “What Employers May Not Know,” includes the following valuable information: 

• Employees can be in good shape physically and mentally but still struggle

  A large majority of respondents rated their physical and mental health as “good,” “very good” or “excellent,” yet 76% say they have still experienced at least one issue that negatively affected their mental health. The most-cited factors causing mental anguish were emotional concerns, financial worries, relationship conflicts and workplace bullying. 

• Employees are unlikely to report mental health diagnoses to their employers

  Consistent with the NAMI findings about employees being uncomfortable talking about mental health at work, 63% of employees in this survey who were diagnosed with mental health disorders said they had not informed their employers. Similarly, 52% of survey participants said they probably would not tell their employers if they ever received a mental illness diagnosis.  

• Employees believe employers have a responsibility to support workers’ mental health

  With a staggering 88% of respondents sharing this opinion. This finding aligns with NAMI’s more recent research, which indicates that the desire for employers to offer mental health programs, coverage and support is now deeply ingrained in the employee mindset. 

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Creating a Supportive Workplace Culture to Help Prevent Suicide in the Workplace

When it comes to their employees’ mental well-being, many employers are trying to do the right things – especially in light of record-high numbers of suicides over the last few years. For example, offering greater mental health support is an employee benefits trend in 2024. 

Alarmingly, as the research above shows, employees who might be suicidal at work may be reluctant to share that information. Employers will need to proactively and intentionally reinforce workers’ mental well-being by creating a caring workplace culture, educating themselves to recognize the signs employees are struggling and understanding employee expectations.

The payoffs are not only more compassionate and encouraging workplaces but also a more productive and engaged workforce. 

RELATED: Suicide at Work - Navigating the Complex Issue of Employee Well-Being >>

Axcet HR Solutions Is Here to Help

Axcet HR Solutions is dedicated to helping small businesses design employee benefits packages, policies, training programs and other meaningful initiatives that support employee mental health and prevent suicide in the workplace. We understand the importance of fostering a supportive and caring workplace environment. Let us assist you in creating a culture where employees feel safe, valued and empowered to seek help.

Ready to enhance your workplace's mental health support? Schedule a consultation to learn how we can help your company thrive and support your employees’ well-being. We're just one click away.