This episode is sponsored by Deel – hire, manage, and pay anyone, anywhere: https://www.deel.com/nickdayhr/

Suicide is the leading cause of death for people under 35, yet most workplaces are not prepared to recognise or respond to a suicidal crisis.

In this episode of the HR L&D Podcast, I speak with Jessi Beyer, a mental health professional, former SWAT crisis negotiator, international speaker, author, and creator of the L.I.F.E.™ Model — a proven approach that helps organisations build crisis-ready teams, improve culture, and reduce risk and liability.

Jessi introduces her L.I.F.E. Framework, a practical model that equips HR professionals and managers with the skills to listen, ask directly about suicide, and respond with confidence before a crisis escalates. We explore why traditional workplace mental health approaches often fall short and how organisations can build crisis-ready cultures rooted in courageous listening.

This conversation is not about turning HR into therapists. It is about leadership, awareness, and human connection. If you work in HR, L&D, or people management, this episode could fundamentally change how you approach mental health and suicide prevention in your organisation.

Please share this episode with your colleagues. It could help save a life.

Connect with Jessi: https://jessibeyerinternational.com/consult

Nick Day’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

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(00:00) Why Suicide Prevention Belongs in the Workplace

(04:28) Why EAPs & Hotline Posters Fall Short

(07:50) Hidden Warning Signs HR Teams Miss

(11:55) Jessi Beyer’s Personal Story & Crisis Background

(16:07) Essential Skills That De-Escalate Crisis

(21:15) Mirrors, Open Questions & Avoiding Interrogation

(26:53) Summary Statements & The Power of Silence

(33:21) What NOT to Say in a Suicide Conversation

(39:02) The LIFE Framework

(48:21) Building a Crisis-Ready Workplace Culture

(52:16) The One Skill That Could Save a Life

(57:26) Why Suicide Prevention Is an HR Responsibility