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/consultNick Day’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9eaSign up to the HR L&D Newsletter - https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7Enjoyed this? Check out our sister podcast @thepayrollpodcast for more great content!(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