Employee suicide: What HR needs to know

Purpose

The study examines suicide and its impact on employees and the organization. The paper aims to raise awareness of employee suicide and provide practical recommendations for fostering a more supportive and healthy work environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a review of recent literature and government reports, the study presents a conceptual framework of employee suicide, and how suicidal ideology may be exasperated by an unhealthy work environment and a lack of training and organizational support.

Findings

The study found that suicide is a growing concern among working-aged individuals. In the US alone, nearly 50,000 people die by suicide each year. For every suicide, there are an estimated 20 other individuals who attempt to take their own lives.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should focus on the role of well-being and anti-violence human resource practices that help support employee coping and prevent future incidents.

Practical implications

This study builds on recent research to highlight the importance of HR practices, training and organizational support to help prevent suicide among employees.

Social implications

Suicide has a traumatic impact not only on the individual who dies but, on their family members, friends, colleagues, the organization and the local community.

Originality/value

This paper adds to our understanding of suicide and its impact on the workplace. Future research should explore the role of well-being and anti-violence human resource practices that help support employee coping and prevent future incidents.

Haymore, J., & Haymore, A. (2025). Employee suicide: What HR needs to know. Strategic HR Review, 1-7 https://doi.org/10.1108/SHR-01-2025-0013.