Aftermath of Suicide in the Workplace

• The responsibility to end their life, lies with the deceased. 
• Be compassionate and non-judgement with self and others. You are unaware of all going on in the lives of others. 
• Talk with others for support. 
• Find a way to honor the deceased, as a group. 
• It is acceptable to use the deceased’s name. 
• Write a letter to the family about the positive things the deceased brought to the workplace. 
• Seek professional help if needed. 

Managers’ Responses* 

• Be compassion and respectful verbally and in writing. 
• Communicate facts as often as possible, respecting the family’s wishes. 
• Listen to individual employee’s needs. 
• Provide a safe space for discussion. 
• Offer EAP resources to assist the grieving. 
• Make use of HR policies to assist surviving family. 
• Be sensitive to workstation, anniversaries and staff events. 
• It is helpful to talk of the deceased appropriately. 
• Others will do as leaders do – take care of yourself. 
• Call Acentra Health for consultation with an expert. 

Resources:

*some information taken from: The National Action Alliance - https://theactionalliance.org/sites/default/files/managers-guidebook-to-suicide-postvention-web.pdf 

American Association of Suicidology - https://suicidology.org/resources/suicide-loss-survivors/ 

American Psychiatric Association - http://workplacementalhealth.org/Mental-Health-Topics/Suicide-Prevention