Caring for Those Who Care: Why Workforce Welfare is Paramount at Harmless

By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO)

At Harmless, we work on the frontlines of a challenging and often emotionally demanding field: suicide prevention. We witness the profound impact of suicide on individuals, families, and communities, and our dedicated team provides vital support to those in crisis and those bereaved by suicide.

We recognise that working in such a high-stress environment can take a toll. Secondary trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout are very real risks for those who dedicate themselves to this work. That’s why, at Harmless, workforce welfare isn’t just a buzzword – it’s at the very core of our organisational values.

Prioritising Our Team’s Wellbeing
We believe that to effectively support others, we must first support ourselves. This belief translates into concrete action:

• Four-Day Working Week
We have implemented a four-day working week to promote work-life balance, reduce stress, and allow our team time for rest and rejuvenation.

• Access to Therapy
We provide access to therapy for all our staff members, recognising the importance of mental health support in processing the emotional challenges of the work.

• Ongoing Training and Development
We invest in ongoing training and development to equip our team with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate complex situations and prioritise their own wellbeing.

Researching the Impact of Our Work
We are committed to going beyond surface-level initiatives. We’re embarking on a research project to delve deeper into the meaning and impact of working in the suicide prevention field. This research will explore:
• The emotional and psychological effects of working with individuals experiencing suicidal crisis.
• The coping mechanisms and support systems that are most effective for our workforce.
• The organisational factors that contribute to a healthy and supportive work environment.

Translating Findings into Meaningful Action
This research isn’t just an academic exercise. We’re committed to translating our findings into meaningful action, both within Harmless and across the sector. We aim to:
• Develop evidence-based strategies to enhance workforce wellbeing.
• Advocate for better support and recognition for those working in suicide prevention.
• Share our findings with other organisations to promote best practices.

Our Commitment to Our Team
Our team is our greatest asset. Their dedication, compassion, and expertise are what make Harmless the impactful organisation it is. By prioritising their wellbeing, we’re not only investing in our team, but also in the future of suicide prevention. We’re excited about this research and the opportunity to create a more sustainable and supportive environment for those who dedicate their lives to this vital work.

If you’re interested in learning more about our research or supporting our work, please visit our website.