Suicide Support Gap Exposed as Staff ‘Lack Confidence to Act’

Most workers say they would ask a colleague if they suspected they were suicidal but far fewer feel confident doing so, according to new research that exposes a serious gap in mental health support at work.

On World Suicide Prevention Day on Wednesday, workplace mental health training provider MHFA England released findings showing that while 74% of UK adults would want to check in with a colleague they feared was having thoughts of suicide, only 40% would feel comfortable doing so.

The data comes from a survey of 2,000 working adults and shows a widespread willingness to help that is undermined by uncertainty, discomfort and dangerous myths about suicide.

The research also found a generational divide, with 82% of 18–24-year-olds saying they would ask a colleague about suicidal thoughts and only 46% of feeling comfortable having the conversation. Among those aged 55–64, just 67% said they would ask, and 34% were comfortable doing so.

Intention Without Confidence

Sarah McIntosh, chief executive of MHFA England, said the findings showed that a desire to support others exists across the workforce, but confidence is lacking.

“It’s not a lack of compassion that holds people back; it’s a lack of comfort, confidence, clarity and sometimes permission,” she said. “Changing the narrative means making suicide something we can talk about safely, in the workplace and beyond, not something to fear or avoid.”

The study found that over half (52%) of respondents lacked the confidence or skills to ask someone about suicide directly. Nearly a third (29%) feared they might put the idea into someone’s head by raising the issue — a long-debunked but persistent myth.

Other reasons for hesitancy included not knowing what to do (11%), worrying about how the person might react (43%) and believing suicide was not something that should be discussed at work.

Support Often Missing at Organisational Level

Only 37% of those surveyed said suicide prevention was included in their employer’s mental health strategy. And while 65% said they would feel confident signposting someone to support, just a third actually knew where to direct a colleague in distress.

MHFA England said it pointed to a wider need for structured training, policy development and leadership commitment.

“Suicide prevention must be embedded into an organisation’s mental health and wellbeing strategy,” said McIntosh. “It should be led from the top and supported at every level.”

Language ‘Still Stigmatised’

The study also highlighted how language reflects and reinforces stigma, as nearly half (48%) of respondents still used the term “committed suicide”, which mental health professionals warn carries connotations of crime and shame. Just 14% said they would use the clinically appropriate term “died by suicide”.

Julie Castleman, a national trainer at MHFA England and Director at suicide prevention consultancy Junah Ltd, said training could equip anyone to help save lives.

“You don’t need to be a mental health expert to make a difference,” she said. “You just need to be ready to ask, to listen, to respond with care and signpost. That’s how we change the narrative. That’s how we save lives.”

Fellow Junah Director Hannah, also an MHFA instructor, said younger people showed particular promise.

“So often we hear unfair criticisms about our younger generation being ‘too sensitive’, but this data shows that sensitivity can be a strength. Their willingness to have open, compassionate conversations could help shift the culture of silence around suicide,” she said.

Lived Experience: One Line Manager’s Story

Neil, a civil service team leader, recently used his MHFA training to support a colleague he feared might be struggling.

“I reached out and explained the conversation would be confidential unless there was immediate danger,” he said. “At first, they said they were fine, but I didn’t take that at face value.”

As trust built, the colleague hinted at suicidal thoughts. Neil recognised the signs and asked directly.

“They didn’t answer straight away, but after a moment, they nodded. I was able to signpost them to our employee assistance programme, the Samaritans and other support. Before training, I might not have known how to respond, or even asked the question.”

Supporting Staff

Experts recommend several things employers can do to address the confidence gap and better support suicide prevention at work:

Provide training: Equip staff and managers with the skills to identify signs, have supportive conversations and know what to do next. Specialist courses in suicide awareness can be life-saving.

Develop clear policies: Make suicide prevention a formal part of your wellbeing strategy and ensure all staff know what support is available.

Use inclusive, non-stigmatising language: Educate employees on preferred terms like “died by suicide” to help remove shame and fear around the topic.

Encourage openness: Create a culture where people feel psychologically safe to speak up, both about their own struggles and others’.

Ensure signposting is clear: Make it easy for employees to know where to turn — whether it’s an internal MHFAider, EAP or external services like the Samaritans.

GRiD: Employers Must Step Up

Group Risk Development (GRiD), the industry body for group protection benefits, also marked World Suicide Prevention Day with a call for more proactive workplace support. GRiD spokesperson Katharine Moxham said organisations should go beyond basic awareness.

“Employers can contribute in a number of ways, including by implementing mental health training programmes, supporting employee wellbeing and fostering an organisational culture in which staff feel secure discussing mental health concerns without stigma or fear of negative consequences, confident that appropriate support will be available and signposted as needed,” she said.

In 2024, insurers paid out 345 suicide-related group life assurance claims, according to a GRiD survey. Moxham said the industry also provides preventive services such as therapy access, early intervention and training.

“There’s undoubtedly a real need to talk more openly about suicide and to change the narrative, so that people see it as preventable and avoidable, and so that everyone is able to support someone who is struggling.”