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Workplace Stress and Suicide

Duration: 1 year (2025 – 2026)

Workplace Stress and Suicide – Why It Matters

Workplace stress is a significant factor affecting employee wellbeing. In Europe, more than 84 million people experience mental health problems, with stress, depression, and anxiety among the most common work-related health issues (OSHA). Almost 45% of workers report job-related risks that can negatively affect their mental health. These figures highlight the clear link between workplace stress and suicide risk, and the importance of taking action within organisations.

About the Project

On World Suicide Prevention Day, we are launching the Workplace Suicide Prevention Toolkit and Infographic to provide workplaces with the information and resources they need to act. This project is not only about raising awareness, but also about equipping organisations with practical tools to reduce workplace stress and prevent suicide.

Our aim is to highlight the scale of workplace stress while also providing solutions that can be put into practice immediately. By offering clear information and practical resources, the project supports employers and employees to work together in creating healthier, safer, and more supportive environments where mental health is valued, stigma is reduced, and every individual feels able to ask for help.

Tools to Take Action

The Infographic is a clear, engaging visual summary of the realities of workplace stress and suicide risk, alongside practical strategies to foster healthier environments. Designed for both digital sharing and workplace display.

The Workplace Suicide Prevention Policy Toolkit provides ready-to-use templates, guidance, and examples of good practice to help organisations address stress effectively. Developed with the input of people with lived experience, the toolkit also includes short, anonymous testimonials that make the resource more relatable and credible:

“It is definitely a culture thing, and it s important that words match action. My previous employer said all the right things, but then their actions were the complete opposite and undermined this.”

“I was told that I was too weak to be doing the work I did and that others in the team managed, so it must be my fault that I struggled… I was never asked what might help me remain in work; I asked countless times for clinical supervision and was always told there was no time for us to take it, and no budget for us to have it.”

By combining practical tools with real human voices, the toolkit makes suicide prevention feel both achievable and relevant for every workplace.

Why Talking About Workplace Stress and Suicide Matters

Suicide remains a difficult subject, particularly in professional contexts. Many people still believe that talking about suicide might encourage it. In reality, research shows that open and honest conversation can be protective. Talking about suicide helps to reduce stigma, creates opportunities for support, and reminds employees that they are not alone.

By addressing workplace stress and suicide together, we shift the focus from silence and stigma to openness and prevention. This project encourages workplaces to be proactive — not waiting until stress becomes overwhelming, but taking steps to protect mental health every day.

The Toolkit

Infographics

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