Strategies for Organizational Leaders and Human Resource Professionals in Workplace Suicide Prevention and Postvention
摘要
Workplace suicide prevention and postvention are essential elements of organizational health and safety. This chapter offers evidence-informed strategies for organizational leaders and human resource professionals to reduce suicide risk and enhance mental well-being within their organizations. The authors advocate for a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention encompassing upstream, midstream, and downstream strategies. Upstream strategies include leadership engagement, fostering a culture of psychological safety, and addressing workplace psychosocial hazards. Midstream approaches involve the implementation of screening programs, training, and peer support networks to identify and assist at-risk employees. Downstream interventions focus on maintaining robust crisis response systems, such as high-quality Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and implementing lethal means safety policies and procedures within the workplace. Downstream approaches are highlighted as a critical component of suicide prevention, offering guidance on how to support employees after a suicide, reduce risk of contagion, and facilitate organizational recovery. By integrating these strategies, organizations can cultivate supportive work environments that prioritize mental health, reduce stigma, and prevent suicide.