The United Kingdom has launched the world’s first standard specifically designed to address suicide risk and its impact in the workplace, providing organisations with a pioneering framework to better protect and support their employees.
The standard, published by the British Standards Institution, is aimed at providing managers, HR leaders, and other relevant teams responsible for wellbeing with practical and evidence-based recommendations to help organisations effectively prevent and respond to suicide risk.
“The publication of the world’s first standard on suicide and the workplace represents a significant milestone in our approach to supporting mental health and well-being at work,” said Anne Hayes, director of sectors and standards development at BSI.
“Until now, suicide has been an often-overlooked issue within organisations, which could mean missed opportunities for prevention and support. This standard provides a much-needed framework to empower employers and leaders to take meaningful action and help them build safe, compassionate workplaces where people feel supported and valued.”
The standard, which is free to download and accessible on the BSI’s website, includes dedicated toolkits for HR and line managers of organisations. It aims to support organisations on:
- Identifying and managing suicide risk in the workplace
- Strengthening workplace policies and culture around suicide awareness
- Having confident, consistent, and compassionate conversations about suicide in workplace settings
- Embedding clear processes to support and communicate with staff and families after suicide loss
“The standard brings together expert insight, lived experience, and practical guidance,” Hayes said.
“It is designed to not only raise awareness but also give organisations the tools they need to reduce risk, intervene effectively, and support those affected by suicide, or having thoughts about suicide, with dignity and sensitivity. We hope this will encourage open conversations, reduce stigma, and ultimately help to save lives across every sector.”
Suicide in workplaces
Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among 15- to 29-year-olds globally in 2021, according to data from the World Health Organization.
In the UK, data from mental health charity Mind UK revealed that one in four people have suicidal thoughts, while one in 13 people has attempted suicide.
Jonathan Stuart, workplace partnerships lead, Mind, said the new standard on suicide awareness is an “important step forward” in helping employers create mentally healthy workplaces.
“We know that talking and getting timely effective support can help. That’s why we’re committed to working with BSI and others to make sure this Standard drives those vital conversations and helps employers to implement meaningful, practical change that supports their people,” Stuart said in a statement.