So at times, organizations send out notices to their staff with self help suggestions or organizational resources that are available.
One such case is for suicide prevention.
For example, if you are thinking about suicide, perhaps you should contract the employee assistance program.
It’s a good idea to reach out to employees when the messaging is done in a way that makes employees feel they are genuinely cared about and needed, and substantial help is available to them.
People contemplating suicide are in a desperate state of mind and proper handling is nothing less than a life or death situation.
Going to the extreme to make a point for a moment, office reminders about suicide prevention should never be selfish or cavalier, such as:
– Remember to turn the lights out.
– Set your out of office message on.
– Have you done a knowledge transfer to ensure a smooth transition?
If employees are coming away feeling like the organization is just sending out a form message or treating their feelings and situation lightly or in their own interests (such as to remove/reduce liability) that is apt to make things worse and not better.
Please treat employees with genuine dignity, respect, caring, and humanity, and offer them substantive help when they need it.
There are families depending on them and they love and need them. 😉
(Source Photo: here with attribution to Jason Kuffer)
andyblumenthal 