Abstract

Practitioners are commonly aware of the benefits for suicide prevention and some countries have implemented suicide postvention support services. However there is little awareness about the impact of direct exposure to suicide at work, or that it can be just a devastating, or have broader implications than bereavement. This is particularly so if those exposed had a significant role within the business, lengthy collegial relationship with the deceased or difficulty adjusting to the trauma or loss. Any workplace can be impacted by suicide through staff witnessing an incident, discovering a body, hearing / seeing gruesome details, or losing another staff member, client or someone they cared about by suicide. Psychological injuries are noted to typically require three times more time off work than other injuries [1]. Knowing trauma reactions and grief can impact on personal functioning and productivity, preventing and mitigating psychological injuries is a significant managerial issue for businesses. Effectively responding to suicide at work requires consideration of all relevant circumstances and prompt implementation of immediate, short and long term strategies, not included in management courses or organizational policies. This paper aims to heighten awareness about the potential of such an event occurring in any workplace, provide insight into the impact on those exposed by highlighting some case examples and a precis of core issues.