Hidden in Plain Sight - Staff Exposure to Suicide and Responses to a New, Systemic Model of Workplace Postvention

Background: Exposure to suicide is associated with a range of psychosocial harms which Australian employers have a legislated responsibility to mitigate. Aims: Examine the impact of suicide on staff, current workplace responses and the efficacy of a new, systemic model of workplace postvention. Method: Interviews and focus groups with 54 staff in 22 workplaces from the commercial, government, and not-for-profit sectors. Results: Every participant had experienced the suicide of a client or colleague and reported a range of short- and long-term negative impacts, including suicidal ideation. This contrasted with the overall lack of workplace postvention, which increased the risks of psychosocial harms to staff. The new model was effective in tailoring a systemic approach to workplace postvention. Limitations: The small size of the sample limits generalizability; however, the prevalence of exposure to suicide and lack of workplace preparedness were strikingly consistent. Conclusion: The impact of suicide on staff is significant and current workplace responses are ineffective and potentially harmful. The new model improves staff and workplace preparedness through tailored and co-designed training, governance and supports.