Why it matters: The 61-page standard provides organisations with practical and evidence-based recommendations to support those affected by or who have thoughts of suicide in the workplace, addressing an issue that research shows affects one in four adults.
The details: Ezra Hewing, the charity's head of mental health education, joined representatives from organisations including Samaritans and the Association of Mental Health First Aiders in working with the British Standards Institution (BSI) for two years to create BS 30480.
The standard, titled Suicide and the workplace – Intervention, prevention and support for people affected by suicide – Guide, is free to access online and was created through undertaking research and speaking to those with lived experience.
Topics covered include the safest ways to discuss suicide, create individual safety plans and communicate sensitively, as well as handling media enquiries. It also includes dedicated toolkits for human resources and line managers.
The big picture: Research has shown that one in four adults have contemplated suicide, with one in 13 having attempted it. On average, a death by suicide will affect as many as 135 people, including colleagues and clients.
"Workplaces are where many people meet their emotional needs – or, critically, where they are not met – and therefore there is a vital opportunity for workplaces to support people to meet their needs in the workplace, cope with suicidal feelings, have hope for the future, and stay alive," Ezra said.
What they're saying: Anne Hayes, director of sectors and standards development at BSI, said: "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 wellbeing at work.
"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."
Ezra said: "It has been a privilege joining colleagues across the mental health sector in creating this truly historic guide. At Suffolk Mind we want to make Suffolk the best place in the world to talk about and take care of mental health, and being invited to take part in such a historic moment for mental health globally is testament to the impact of our work."
What's next: All organisations which download the standard are invited by the BSI to make a pledge to take action against suicide in the workplace and collaborate with other organisations to implement positive change.
The charity is running a series of webinars to discuss the standard and how its guidance can be applied to local workplaces. It also continues to host its separate Understanding Suicide: Working Aged Men workshops.
Expressions of interest to either session can be made by emailing workplacewellbeing@suffolkmind.org.uk.
The bottom line: Suffolk Mind's involvement in creating this world-first standard demonstrates the charity's growing influence in mental health care while providing local organisations with crucial guidance on an often-overlooked workplace issue.
