Engaging in open, compassionate conversations in the workplace about suicide

Written by Councillor Mariam Khan, cabinet member for Health and Social Care at Birmingham City Council

Deaths by suicide are not inevitable; they are preventable.

In 2024, Birmingham lost 89 people to suicide — each death a profound loss for families, communities, workplaces, and for the city as a whole.

Research shows that every suicide directly affects 135 people. That means that as many as 12,015 people were affected by suicide in Birmingham in 2024 alone.   

Suicide is the elephant in the room, yet it is the leading cause of death in young men and women in England today.

While some individuals have histories of mental illnesses or experiences that increase risk, others might be faced with a sudden, traumatic event, such as a health diagnosis, bereavement, job loss, or relationship breakdown — that leave them feeling distressed and unable to cope.  

We all have a role to play in preventing deaths by suicide, starting with how we talk to one another.

Building an open, compassionate culture — at home, in our communities, and at work — is a shared responsibility.

Given that one-third of a person’s life — approximately 90,000 hours — is spent at work, employers and colleagues are uniquely positioned to notice changes in behaviour or mood that may signal someone is struggling.

Recognising these signs early can make a big difference in preventing deaths by suicide. While every individual’s experience is unique, certain changes in behaviour may indicate that someone is feeling distressed or having thoughts of suicide.

Examples of behaviour changes can include, but are not limited to:

• Making jokes or comments about wanting to kill themselves: even offhand remarks or jokes about self-harm can be a sign that someone is struggling internally
• Expressing feelings of hopelessness: statements suggesting that things will never improve, or that they feel trapped or hopeless
• Engaging in risky or dangerous behaviours such as alcohol and drug usage: increased substance use or risk-taking can sometimes be a way of masking emotional distress
• Talking about being a burden: expressing that others would be ‘better off without them’ or feeling like they’re causing problems for those around them
• A pattern of unexplained absences from work: frequently missing work, withdrawing from activities with colleagues, and avoiding workplace interactions without clear reasons
• Mood swings: sudden changes in mood such as irritability or withdrawal
• Inability to concentrate or complete work: struggling to focus, making unusual mistakes, or having reduced motivation to carry out individual tasks

For employers, business leaders, and line managers, sharing clear, consistent information is key to helping your colleagues feel confident having supportive conversations with their peers.

By encouraging peer-to-peer conversations around suicide, you can help create a workplace culture where people feel safe to speak up and support one another.

Below are some practical tips you can share across your workplace, or use yourself, to support a colleague who might be struggling:

• Ask how they’re doing: give them a chance to share how they’re really feeling 

• Listen without judgement: allow them to talk openly, showing compassion and understanding without rushing to offer solutions

• Explain that you’re asking because you care and want to help: reassure them that your concern comes from a place of kindness and support
• Mention changes you’ve noticed and express concerns for their wellbeing: highlight what you’ve observed in a calm, compassionate way to show why you’re worried 

• Encourage professional support: suggest speaking to a GP, and signpost support services such as texting SPACE to 85258 for free, confidential advice from a mental health professional 

• Keep checking in and let them know you’re willing to listen: stay connected in the days and weeks ahead so they know that support is ongoing

To find local crisis support and/or advice on how to have open, compassionate conversations about suicide with colleagues, please visit birmingham.gov.uk/suicideprevention. 

Register here to take part in a free, half-day suicide prevention training.

If you’d like to learn more about Birmingham’s ongoing suicide prevention work and opportunities to get involved, please contact [email protected].

If you're worried about a colleague, or you're experiencing a crisis yourself, you can phone 111 and select option 2 or text ‘SPACE’ to 85258. You can also phone Samaritans at116 123, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.