What if the problem is not just what someone is carrying internally, but also what they are walking into every day at work?
In this episode of the Glow For Hope Podcast, host Kelly Poelker sits down with Dr. Colleen Saringer, a workplace mental health speaker and researcher on a mission to stop work from hurting people.
With more than 25 years of experience as a Global Organizational Health Leader and a lifetime of lived experience inside family-owned construction businesses, Dr. Colleen brings a rare perspective to the connection between work, mental health, and suicide prevention.
Together, Kelly and Dr. Colleen explore how workplace conditions such as high job demand, poor support, isolation, lack of recognition, and silenced employee voices can quietly contribute to anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts.
This conversation is practical, eye-opening, and deeply human. It is an important listen for employers, leaders, coworkers, business owners, and anyone who wants to better understand how the environments we create can either harm people or help protect them.
What the number 267 represents in relation to work-related suicides
Why workplace mental health is about more than self-care, EAPs, or mental health days
What psychosocial risk factors are and why they deserve more attention
How feelings like overwhelm, hopelessness, and being trapped can build over time
What the 11-year gap means between early symptoms and seeking help
Why fixing the work environment matters as much as supporting the individual
How employee voice and psychological safety influence mental wellbeing
Why simple acknowledgment and kindness can become protective factors
Why the construction industry carries especially high suicide risk
What it really means to “show up” for people at work
Guest Spotlight: Dr. Colleen Saringer
Dr. Colleen Saringer is a professional speaker on workplace mental health and suicide prevention. She describes herself as a blue-collar woman wrapped in a PhD, bringing together deep professional expertise and lived experience in family-owned construction businesses.
With over 25 years as a Global Organizational Health Leader, Dr. Colleen now educates blue-collar industries and workplace leaders on the psychosocial risk factors that can contribute to and worsen anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicide.
Her work focuses on practical, human-centered solutions grounded in kindness, accountability, boundaries, and healthier workplace culture.
“Work is a part of us, no matter where we are, no matter what our title is, what our role is, how long we’ve been in it. It is constantly there.”
“If we’re not changing the environment people are walking into, then to me it’s kind of a waste.”
“Those little things can serve as a protective factor.”
“It really doesn’t have to be that hard.”
“We can’t always change the work. We can change how we treat each other.”
Resources & Next Steps
Connect with Dr. Colleen Saringer:
Dr. Colleen Saringer Website
Find Dr. Colleen Saringer on LinkedIn
Learn More:
Psychosocial risk factors referenced in this episode.
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Glow For Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health awareness through conversation, education, and community.
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Crisis Resources
If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available.
Glow For Hope Mental Health Resources:
Explore Mental Health Resources
United States: Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
Emergency: Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room
Disclaimer
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, workplace, or mental health care. If you are struggling, please seek support from a qualified professional.
