It’s not an easy topic to discuss. Suicide, that is. There is a lot of fear based on misperceptions about it. While pamphlets can disseminate information, they are usually not effective enough to shift attitudes, or prompt discussion or even help people. The fact is the majority of people who die by suicide are working-aged people, yet most of the suicide prevention efforts target youth. By training workplace leaders to be better able to identify people at risk, early in the progression of a mental health disorder, more people will get help.
Managers are leaders in a workplace, who can champion a mentally resilient and thriving culture. They do this by understanding that mental health issues are like other health issues and advocate for promoting protective factors, minimizing risk factors and giving access to quality care. When people are in crisis, these leaders can offer guidance on how to navigate the balance of workplace functioning and individual well-being.
How do you get there?
Utilizing the Suicide Prevention Toolkit, employee assistance or human resources personnel will be able to lead a group of 25-35 people through the program. The program is practical, user-friendly and seen as a highly effective tool for suicide prevention education in the workplace. One of the main teaching tools is the DVD, which creates a forum for dialogue and critical thinking about workplace mental health challenges. Designed to be implemented over the lunch hour or as a half-day session, the workshop opens the lines of communication and lets employees learn and practice new skills, including help-seeking and help-giving skills.
Just as employers are encouraged to take the organizational assessment, there is research that supports the use of anonymous online screenings for employees. Through WorkplaceResponse®, a program of Screening for Mental Health®, employers have the unique opportunity to offer a customized online screening tool that will let employees determine if their symptoms are characteristic of various mood and anxiety disorders or a problem with alcohol.
Both programs are about preventing crises through a proactive approach. Both programs are low cost, high-impact approaches that empower managers to help their vulnerable employees move from distress to coping, communicating that the workplace cares about the well-being of their workers, not just their immediate performance. Both programs have potential benefits beyond the workplace in that the skills/information acquired in these programs can be applied to family members, neighbors and more. This positions the workplace as a responsible corporate citizen that uses a morale-boosting, holistic approach.
Click here to take the employer assessment.
Click here to take the employee assessment.
For more information about Working Minds and WorkplaceResponse, please contact Sara Herman at [email protected] or 781-591-5233.