* Trigger warning: This article mentions suicide *
More than a third (37%) of UK employees said suicide prevention was part of their employer’s mental health and wellbeing strategy, according to research by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England.
Its research, which was published to mark World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September and surveyed 2,000 working UK adults, also found that while nearly two-thirds (65%) of respondents felt confident signposting someone to support, just a third said they would know where to direct a colleague in need.
When asked what would make the biggest difference in reducing suicide at work, respondents said access to confidential mental health services, training for managers, and wider education on suicide prevention. Mental health first aiders, peer-to-peer support, and normalising conversations about suicide were also cited.
Nearly half (46%) of 18-24 year olds would be comfortable talking to a colleague about suicide, compared to 34% for those aged 45-54 years. Just over four-fifths (82%) of 18–24-year-olds, and 77% of 25–34 year-olds would ask a colleague about suicide, with this dropping to 67% of those aged 55–64, and 60% of those over 65 years.
More than half (52%) said they lacked the confidence or skills to ask someone directly about suicide, while 43% would be worried about how the person might react. Three-quarters (74%) would ask a colleague if they were worried they might be having thoughts of suicide, however, only 40% would feel comfortable talking about it.
Sarah McIntosh, chief executive of MHFA England, said: “Changing the narrative means making suicide something we can talk about safely, in the workplace and beyond, not something to fear or avoid. Suicide prevention must be embedded into an organisation’s mental wellbeing strategy. It requires a considered, proactive approach.
“This means ensuring it is reflected in culture, policy, and in the way conversations and decisions are shaped across the organisation. It should be led from the top and supported at every level.”
Ben West, mental health campaigner, author, strategic advisor and social media influencer, will be a keynote speaker at this year’s Employee Benefits Live 2025 on 2 October.
Following the loss of his younger brother to suicide, he has become a voice for mental health advocacy and will discuss the topic during his keynote session.
