Supporting Employee Mental Health and Preventing Workplace Suicide

Legal Alert
from Attorney Bob

Dear WHLA Members,
​
September is Suicide Prevention Month, an opportune time for us to reflect on the crucial role employers play in supporting mental health and preventing suicide. Creating a healthy workplace is not just about physical safety; it's equally about mental well-being.

​Here are some key strategies based on insights from the CDC and other sources that you can implement to support your employees:

Understand the Importance

Suicide is a leading cause of death among working-age adults in the U.S., making it a significant public health issue. The workplace offers a unique opportunity to identify and support individuals who might be at risk.

Recognize the Warning Signs

Employees may exhibit signs that can indicate distress or suicidal thoughts:

• Expressions of hopelessness or being trapped
• Withdrawal from friends or usual activities
• Noticeable mood changes

Create a Supportive Environment

• Promote Open Communication: Encourage employees to discuss their stressors without fear of judgment or retaliation.
  
• Leadership Involvement: Management should actively participate in mental health training and show commitment to mental health initiatives.

Implement Preventative Measures

• Education and Resources: Provide training sessions on mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
  
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Remind employees about the availability and confidentiality of EAP services.
  
• Policy Review: Assess work policies to ensure they support mental health and accommodate the needs of those at risk.

Equip Managers and Supervisors

• Train managers to recognize the warning signs of suicide and how to respond appropriately.
  
• Encourage them to foster a culture where employees can seek help for mental health issues without stigma.

Take Action

• Immediate Response: If an employee shows signs of immediate risk, ensure they are not left alone, and seek professional help.
• Follow-Up: Provide continuous support and check-ins after an incident to ensure ongoing well-being.

Offer Continuous Support

• Resources Sharing: Regularly share information about mental health resources and services available within the community.
• Support Networks: Create peer support groups or buddy systems to help employees connect and support each other.

Employers have a critical role in mitigating the risk of suicide through proactive support and policy. This Suicide Prevention Month, let's commit to making our workplaces safer and more supportive for everyone. For more detailed guidance and support, please refer to resources provided by OSHA and the CDC.

For further reading and resources:

• CDC Guide on Preventing Workplace Suicide
• OSHA's Preventing Suicides Page

Together, we can create a supportive environment that not only enhances employee well-being but also contributes to the overall success of our industry.


​
Warm regards,
​
Bob Sanders

Note: This alert is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. It provides an overview of the law’s key components and provides factual background.

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About Attorney Bob

​​Bob Sanders is an Attorney and the founder of NextGen Legal. After spending over a decade in BigLaw, working with clients of all sizes across the US, he became acutely aware of the recurring barriers that deterred businesses from seeking proactive legal advice: shrinking legal budgets competing with escalating fees. This realization spurred Bob to create NextGen Legal, a firm designed to eliminate these barriers and provide clients with the high-quality legal advice they need, exactly when they need it.

​At NextGen Legal, we're transforming the traditional law firm model. Bob’s extensive experience in labor and employment law has been instrumental in shaping a service that offers both day-to-day legal counsel and rapid response for emergent issues. We strive to empower our clients with the knowledge and strategies necessary to navigate the legal landscape effectively and make confident employment decisions, without the fear of unexpected costs.
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Rated a Rising Star by SuperLawyers (an accolade reserved for only 2.5% of attorneys in Wisconsin), Bob provides strategic legal advice and counsel to companies of all sizes, helping business leaders make confident, informed decisions. His expertise spans employment law, regulatory compliance, litigation, safety, corporate strategy, and risk mitigation. Bob excels in transforming complex legal challenges into clear, actionable business solutions, offering strategic guidance to leadership teams.

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