After Kate Spade: how can employers help prevent suicides

Following the suicide of fashion designer Kate Spade, employers are advised to be mindful of their employees’ mental health issues

After  Kate Spade: how can employers  help prevent suicides

The fashion industry was left mourning after Kate Spade, who became a household name with her high-quality handbags, was found dead in her apartment in Manhattan.

This was a reminder of how important it is for entrepreneurs and employers to address the issue of mental health in the workplace and help vulnerable employees to receive treatment. Moreover, the underlining causes behind many suicides are poor job security and dissatisfaction at work, according to the NHS.

Fortunately, there is advice to be had. Two guides have been put together by Business in the Community in collaboration with Public Health England and the Samaritans to offer founders, entrepreneurs and managers a useful toolkit to help them tackle this obstacle.

The crisis management toolkits include ways in which suicidal tendencies can be handled by employers and company heads. The report stressed how important it is for SMEs to know that they can access the support needed in the event of a suicide, including emergency services and counselling to help deal with the loss.

Apart from this, the NHS also provides various helplines and organisations that may be helpful to avoid unforeseen circumstances.

Commenting on this important issue, Ruth Sutherland, CEO at the Samaritans, said: “At work, you already have so much to think about. How can we deliver against our objectives? Manage the bottom line. Develop our teams. Provide a safe and secure environment for our employees? It’s rare that suicide prevention would even occur to us.”

With Mental Health Awareness Week having finished in May, it’s important to recognise that depression and anxiety are public health emergencies and need urgent action. Fortunately, with employers taking taking extra care of their staff can go a long way.

If you or anyone you know needs help, then in the UK you can call the Samaritans 24/7 on the phone number 116 123 or you can reach them via email  at [email protected].
In the US you can contact the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Varsha Saraogi
Varsha Saraogi
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