In Ireland, over 500 people die by suicide every year and there are few families, communities or workplaces that have not been touched by suicide, either directly or indirectly. A death by suicide is often the result of an accumulating, complex set of circumstances or experiences in a person’s life rather than a single event. There are many contributing factors and few simple answers to the questions that arise in the aftermath of such a tragic loss. Similarly, the impact on those left behind can be significant and wide-ranging, especially in what can be the close community/team setting of the workplace.

The Irish Hospice Foundation and Console have produced a 'Guide for employers on responding to suicide in the workplace'. The guide aims to help organisations to increase their understanding and confidence in responding and supporting their employees whether they have been affected by the death of an employee through suicide or personally affected by a suicide outside of the workplace. Such support can also reduce or minimise impacts on workplace outcomes such as absenteeism, sick leave and/or reduced performance. In order to maintain a healthy and safe work environment, responding appropriately to the experience of suicide in the workplace whether through an employee affected by suicide, or an actual employee death on-site or off-site, is very important.

The 'Guide for employers on responding to suicide in the workplace' developed by the Irish Hospice Foundation and Console will be launched on January 31st 2012.