With World Suicide Prevention Day this Wednesday 10 September 2025, companies are being urged to consider how they approach suicide prevention, particularly when supporting employees across different countries. This year’s theme, “Changing the narrative on suicide”, aims to foster open and honest discussions and reduce stigma, but experts caution that global sensitivity is essential.

Global Differences in Perception

Sarah Dennis, Head of International at Towergate Employee Benefits, explains: “Suicide is looked upon in very different ways in different countries. In some cultures and religions, it is still viewed as a crime or an unforgivable act. If we are to support employees with suicide prevention, it is vital that we take a very considered approach.”

In fact, suicide remains a criminal offence in 25 countries, including Kenya, the Maldives, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Punishments for attempted suicide range from fines to imprisonment, and the broader social impact can include shame and ostracism, rather than support.

Towergate Employee Benefits recommends that employers focus on promoting resilience and positive emotional wellbeing. In some regions, discussing mental health or suicide directly may be seen as taboo or a sign of weakness. Tailoring communication and support to local cultural norms can make initiatives more effective.

According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, Lesotho, South Korea, and Eswatini have the highest suicide rates globally, with over 27 deaths per 100,000 people annually. Worldwide, the average is 9.2 deaths per 100,000 people, though actual figures are likely higher due to underreporting linked to stigma and legal concerns.

Practical Steps for Employers

Training and education are critical components of suicide prevention. Western countries may benefit from workshops on recognising mental health issues and suicidal thoughts, while in other regions, programs that emphasise resilience and emotional wellbeing may be more culturally appropriate. For instance, Mental Health First Aiders could be described as resilience supporters to better fit local sensitivities.

Employers can also provide broader wellbeing support, including:

• Line-manager training
• Flexible working arrangements
• Wellbeing days
• Global Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) with confidential counselling

Sarah Dennis emphasises: “We are not suggesting that employers shy away from talking openly about mental health and suicide. It is vital to encourage a culture where employees feel safe discussing their mental health without fear of stigma, but the support offered needs to be communicated appropriately for the country in which the employee is based.”

Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for GRiD, adds that suicide prevention requires ongoing attention: “World Suicide Prevention Day highlights the importance of collective action. Individuals can check in regularly on family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours, engaging in meaningful conversation and active listening without judgement. Employers can contribute through mental health training, employee wellbeing support, and fostering a culture where staff feel secure discussing mental health concerns.”

GRiD’s Claims Survey 2025 shows that insurers paid 345 claims for suicide under Group Life Assurance policies in 2024, highlighting the real-life impact and the importance of proactive support. Beyond financial assistance, the industry provides early intervention, access to talking therapies, mental health first aid training, and ongoing support for employees and managers alike.

“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 everyone can support someone who is struggling,” Moxham concludes.

World Suicide Prevention Day is a reminder for employers to take action. By providing culturally sensitive support, promoting resilience, and fostering an open and stigma-free environment, companies can make a meaningful difference in employees’ lives—no matter where they are in the world.