Suicide prevalence and suicide prevention in the workplace

© 2018 selection and editorial matter, Ronald J. Burke and Cary L. Cooper. The majority of those who die by suicides are employed at their time of death. While the factors influencing suicide are multidimensional, a growing body of literature suggests that psychosocial job stressors (such as low job control and job insecurity) may be risk factors for suicide. This emphasises the importance of workplace suicide prevention addressing work-related factors as possible risk factors, as well as emphasising help-seeking and reducing stigma. There are a number of examples of workplace suicide prevention initiatives in Japan, Australia, the United States of America, and Canada. However, considering the prevalence of suicide among employed populations, there is clearly scope for an expansion of suicide prevention initiatives. At the same time, we argue there is a need to grow the evidence base about the relationships between work, suicide prevention, and suicide.