Ryan FowlerWith World Suicide Prevention Day taking place on Wednesday 10th September 2025, Towergate Employee Benefits has warned companies with overseas employees to be careful about how they communicate on the issue.
The theme of this year’s event is ‘Changing the narrative on suicide’, which encourages open and honest discussion. While supporting the initiative, Towergate stressed that in many countries suicide remains highly stigmatised, and in some places is still a criminal offence.
Sarah Dennis, head of international at Towergate Employee Benefits, said: “Suicide is looked upon in very different ways in different countries. In some cultures and religions it is still viewed as a crime and an unforgiveable act. If we are to support employees with suicide prevention then it is vital that we take a very considered approach.”
The organisation highlighted that suicide is a criminal offence in 25 countries, including Kenya, the Maldives, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where attempted suicide can result in fines or imprisonment. In such cases, Towergate recommends employers focus communications on ‘resilience’ and ‘positive emotional wellbeing’ rather than directly on suicide.
Employers were advised to adapt training and education to local sensitivities, with wellbeing or resilience-focused sessions proving more effective in some regions than explicit suicide prevention programmes. Confidential support, flexible working arrangements and access to employee assistance programmes were also recommended.
Dennis concluded: “We are not suggesting that employers shy away from talking openly about mental health and suicide. Indeed, it is vital to encourage a culture where employees feel safe to discuss their mental health without fear of stigma, but the support offered needs to be communicated in a way that is appropriate to the country in which the employee is based.”
