Fostering the right culture for suicide prevention

This World Suicide Prevention Day (Wednesday 10 September), IOSH is urging employers and colleagues to take simple but powerful steps — by caring, checking in, listening and talking.

Over 720,000 people dying by suicide globally each year. While it’s not known exactly how many suicides are related to work, IOSH is highlighting the life-saving potential of psychologically safe work environments and everyday conversations in the workplace.

Workplaces are uniquely positioned to spot changes in behaviour, mood, or performance of individual employees. IOSH is encouraging employers to foster compassionate cultures that are psychologically safe and reduce stigma. It encourages workplaces where mental health is openly discussed, and where colleagues feel safe to speak up and seek help.

Taking action

Key actions can include:

regular check-ins between managers and team members
peer support networks and mental health champions
creating time and space for open conversations
identifying and managing psychosocial risks as part of risk assessments
providing education, training and awareness on mental health and suicide prevention.

Ruth Wilkinson, IOSH Head of Policy and Public Affairs, said: “We recognise that not everyone is an expert on mental health. But just taking the time and asking someone how they’re really doing, listening without judgement, acting with confidentiality and showing you truly care can be hugely beneficial to someone who is struggling."

Changing the narrative

The theme of this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is changing the narrative on suicide. The International Association for Suicide Prevention said: “Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue. It’s about shifting from a culture of silence and lack of understanding to one of openness, empathy, and support.”

IOSH also supports the upcoming British Standard BS 30480. This will provide guidance on suicide prevention in the workplace, helping organisations embed supportive practices into their culture.

In connection with World Suicide Prevention Day 2025, the EU Horizon Europe funded project PROSPERH – Promoting Positive Mental and Physical Health in Changing Work Environments – will host a webinar on Thursday 11 September from 12:00 to 13:00 (UK time). Find out more and register.