The Recession and Workplace Suicide

During this unsteady recession, employers must have a watchful eye on their employees. There was an article featured on http://www.msnbc.msn.com/ called “Your Career: Workplace Suicides on the Rise” featured on June 1, 2010. There is an increase in workplace suicides caused by a lack of jobs and home life. The government began tracking the statistics and found that workplace suicides jumped 28% to 251 cases in 2008. The employee assistance program counselors (EAP) program who assists many employers with their staff reported that suicides and attempted suicides were their highest of about 8 million after December 2008. These counselors are receiving additional training in crisis to handle the daily suicide calls they are receiving as opposed to once every two weeks. Currently, the suicide rates are up 75% in 2009.

Workers are viewing their co-workers who are losing their jobs. As a result, they are working longer hours which results in not taking vacations or lunches. The co-workers who were friends and were involved socially are now seen as competition, not just to receive raises but to keep their jobs. Employers have to be wary about changes in the workplace which may trigger anxiety. An example was given of an employee who committed suicide after being notified that a new supervisor was being assigned after many supervisors prior were laid off. Employees are even leaving notes blaming the workplace.

Statistically, most of the injuries are caused by gunshots wounds, asphyxiations/strangulations or suffocations by middle aged white males between the ages of 45 and 54. Many are from a duel income family but they often see themselves as the “bread winner”. The workplace are adding pressure to their employees with giving them more work which sets them up for failure by not meeting deadlines. As a result, people are suffering from insomnia which is causing other health issues.

This recession has caused a lot of mixed emotions among employees and employers must be understanding. People are sensitive to what the media are reporting about the economy from job loss, employers freezing salaries or not providing monetary raises. Employers must not forget to say “thank you” for a job well done or at least provide an appreciation breakfast or a lunch. This speaks volumes and employees will feel a part of the team during this difficult time. Please watch the video link below of a woman in New York City who thought about suicide due to unemployment and facing other financial difficulties.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-GGSPVeQ0s