“Recession Depression”. “Econocide”. These newly coined terms reflect real life and death challenges facing business leaders during these difficult economic times. While all of us have been impacted in some way by the financial crisis, we sometimes minimize or forget the corresponding emotional crisis that often follows a parallel trajectory. The US Department of Labor reported that in 2009 workplace suicides increased 28% over the previous year. Powerlessness, loss, shame, rage, and desperation produce dangerous dynamics that impact people, businesses, families, and communities. This edition of PracticePoints aims to provide business leaders with information and resources to support those employees who see no hope.

That’s a worthy cause!

Bob VandePol, President 
July 2010

This timely report tracks the increase in workplace suicides since 2007. It is worth noting that this data only captures those events that occurred at the workplace - additional research is needed to identify those incidents related to employment factors that may have taken place in off site locations. To read more click Labor Report.

This excellent paper sounds a "call to action" for business leaders on the issue of workplace suicide. Written by Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas of the Carson J. Spencer Foundation, this article offers concrete steps that can make a tremendous difference in any organization committed to the health and emotional wellbeing of their employees - it may even save a life. To read this white paper click Article.

Presented by the Centers for Disease Control, this brief podcast establishes the link between experiencing a traumatic event and a potential vulnerability to suicidal thoughts. Of special value is the provision of the National Suicide Hotline phone number, a resource available to anyone anywhere in the United States. To listen to the podcast and to get the Hotline number click CDC Podcast.

• CCN Responds to the Crisis in the Gulf
  Since April CCN has been actively engaged on behalf of a variety of customers in providing support to those impacted by the ongoing oil spill. In June CCN Account Executive Jeff Gorter toured various locations in Lousiana and Mississippi and met with members of the CCN Specialist Network deployed in those areas.
• 20th World Conference on Disaster Management in Toronto - June 6-9.
  CCN Chair Bruce Blythe delivered a plenary session on "Strategic Crisis Leadership". 
• Workers Comp Claims Professionals Leadership & Mgmt Conference in Palm Coast, FL - June 8.
  CCN President Bob VandePol presented on how access to crisis response services can help claims managers quickly support employees impacted by tragedy and help them return to productivity.
• American Insurance Association Workers Comp Sub-Committee in Washington DC - June 17.
  Bob VandePol was invited to present “Return to Productivity after Workplace Tragedy”.
• US Senate Peer Support Team in Washington DC - June 18.
  CCN President Bob VandePol teamed with ValueOptions’ Richard Paul and Virginia Tech University’s Patricia Burton to present “Virginia Tech: Building Capacity to Support Faculty and Staff Resilience”.
• 2010 EAP-MAP Conference near Philadelphia, PA - June 28-29.
  CCN Account Executive Jeff Gorter attended this conference at Villanova University and co-delivered the opening keynote address with ValueOption's Richard Paul.
• Society of Human Resource Managers Conference in San Diego - June 27-30.
  CCN exhibited and met with customers at this event attended by over 11,000 human resource professionals.