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How workplace scrutiny and professional identity shape suicide risk

Summary:

Although suicides are uncommon among working populations, when they occur, they can have a devastating impact on co-workers. Certain occupational groups appear to be at greater risk. Noreen Tehrani examines the evidence and discusses the role of OH in responding to known risk factors.

The suicide of an employee causes significant disturbance and distress in any organisation. Colleagues and supervisors may engage in soul-searching, looking for missed cues that might have allowed them to offer support or recommend professional help. Clearing a dead colleague’s desk, meeting the bereaved family or trying to make sense of what happened can leave many unanswered questions and feelings of guilt and shame about what was not done…

 

Dr Noreen Tehrani is a chartered occupational, health and counselling psychologist.

 

 

Author: Tehrani N

Tags suicide

Occupational Health at Work April/May 2026 (vol. 22/6) pp20-26

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