It's paramount that workers with depression and suicidal thoughts to have immediate access to help within an employee assistance program. (Photo: Shutterstock)
September is National Suicide Prevention Month—an opportunity for employers to learn how they can help workers at risk for taking their own lives due to depression, according to Prudential Group Insurance's report, "Our global suicide crisis: What might be causing it, and how the workplace can respond."
"The correlation between depression and suicide makes this crisis a concern for everyone in the workplace — that's because depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide," writes the report's author, Kristin Tugman, vice president of Prudential's health and productivity analytics and consulting practice. "Therefore, it's in the best interest of employers and insurance providers alike to take a proactive role in dealing with this challenge head on."
First, employers can help reduce the stigma of having depression and possible suicidal thoughts by encouraging open communication and letting workers know it's safe to share about mental health issues.
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Katie Kuehner-Hebert
Katie Kuehner-Hebert is a freelance writer based in Running Springs, Calif. She has more than three decades of journalism experience, with particular expertise in employee benefits and other human resource topics.
