"Whether you are the CEO, the supervisor, or just your co-worker, we need everyone to be comfortable in having that conversation."

Where do we start and what do we do after a suicide has impacted our community?

This week we have Barb Smith here to discuss Workplace Postvention. If you're not familiar with workplace postvention, trust me, you're not alone. Most workplaces are unprepared for the aftermath of a suicide, and this episode is truly pivotal in changing that.

Barb dives into the concrete actions workplaces can take after the death of an employee, a family member, a vendor, or any part of their community by suicide. Workplace suicide “postvention” involves activities that reduce risk and promote healing, helping organizations support their team while honoring the loss. Though postvention is a response to a tragedy, preparing for it before such an event occurs is critical, as “Postvention is suicide prevention for all those left behind.”

Barb discusses the practical and compassionate steps in an effective postvention plan, sharing her insights on the profound impact that workplace support—or the lack of it—has on those navigating grief. From creating a clear coordination point person to ensuring your team is well-prepared, Barb highlights why ‘checking the box’ with an EAP service is insufficient without specialized training for postvention support. We explore why returning to ‘business as usual’ too quickly can be harmful and emphasize the importance of actions like personal outreach, family support, and carefully planned communication.

Think of a postvention plan as a workplace “fire drill”—a structured, practiced approach to crisis that helps everyone understand their role and respond with compassion and composure.

This is an increasingly common experience, and it’s essential to have a thoughtful plan in place before tragedy strikes. We cover the importance of having a plan in place before you ever need it. Think of it like a fire evacuation plan—something that’s well-thought-out and practiced, so everyone knows their role when a crisis arises.
Barb shared some heartfelt personal insights, which underscore the emotional toll a workplace suicide can have and the necessity of a well-organized response plan. For example, workplace support—or lack thereof—can significantly impact how an individual navigates their grief journey.

About Barb:

President of the Barb Smith Suicide Resource & Response Network, recognized at the state and national level for its advocacy work in suicide prevention and aftercare.

Barb founded and facilitates one of the first and longest survivors of suicide loss support groups in Michigan. She was a voice, when there was silence and stigma around suicide survivors in honor of her brother John.

As a Victims Advocate coordinator for the Saginaw County Sheriff Dept, Barb has responded with first responders to support hundreds of families following a tragic death.

Barb founded the regional LOSS team (local outreach for suicide survivors) to meet with families as a follow up to deaths by suicide to bring hope, resources and connections to workplaces, homes and community spaces.

In 2020 Barb was appointed to the Governor’s Suicide Prevention Commission, most recently she was honored with the Saving A Life Award from Kevin’s Song (a statewide advocacy organization) Michigan Special Honoree award from National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI). Locally, her advocacy awarded her the Health Angel Award from the Saginaw Medical Society and the WAVE award for Saginaw County.

Facebook URL https://www.facebook.com/BarbSmithSRRN/

Email barb.smith@srrn.net

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/barbsmithsrrn

Website srrn.net

Twitter @BarbSmithSRRN

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