Workplace wellness is a critical component of suicide prevention. In Indiana, where individuals spend an average of 33.7 to 34.1 hours per week at work, our state frequently ranks among the most overworked in the U.S. The workplace plays a central role in shaping employee’s both physical and mental health.
Being overworked—defined as consistently operating beyond safe or sustainable limits—can lead to chronic stress, exhaustion, and ultimately burnout. These conditions are not only detrimental to overall well-being but are also recognized contributors to suicidal ideation.
Given the substantial amount of time individuals spend at work, employers have both an opportunity and a responsibility to foster environments that support employee health and resilience, thereby enhancing employee engagement, productivity, and organizational effectiveness. This Lunch & Learn will highlight common warning signs associated with suicidal ideation and outline practical indicators employers can recognize to support early intervention. It will also provide an overview of the crisis continuum, guidance on connecting employees to resources beyond the workplace, and conclude with dedicated time for audience questions and discussion.
Our discussion leader for this lunch and learn will be Kristen Ludeker-Seibert. Kristen is the Director of the Indiana Suicide Prevention Network and is the Chair of Hamilton County Systems of Care. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, graduating cum laude in 1998.