t is fair to say that the past few years have reshaped the way we live and work. From natural disasters and global disruption to ongoing economic, workforce and social pressures, many people continue to experience change, uncertainty and cumulative stress. If you have found recent years challenging, you are certainly not alone.

Alongside these challenges, there has been a growing and important conversation about mental health and wellbeing. We are seeing greater awareness of the need to adapt, to show kindness to ourselves and others, and to put wellbeing at the centre of how we work and connect. A key part of this conversation is checking in with those around us, talking openly about how we are feeling, and staying connected with colleagues, friends and family.

R U OK? Day is a national reminder to ask a simple but powerful question – “are you OK?” – and to be ready to genuinely listen to the response. While R U OK? Day is held each year in September, these conversations are just as important at any time. You can ask “R U OK?” any day.

How to ask R U OK?

• Be relaxed and friendly, and be genuine in your intention to be of service.
• You could say ‘How are you going?’ or ‘How have things been with you lately?’ They may not want to talk and that is ok too. You could say something like ‘OK, let me know if you ever want to chat’.
• Listen with an open mind and don’t interrupt or judge them. You could ask ‘What has been their experience?’ or ‘What is going well and what is not going so well’.
• Check to see what supports they have in place and what self-care strategies they might be using
• Help connect them to supports. Many workplaces provide free employee assistance counselling (EAP) to staff.
• If they are experiencing a work related problem, such as workplace conflict, you may encourage them to discuss this with their supervisor.
• Follow up again – put a reminder in your diary to catch up with them again in a couple of weeks.

Sometimes you may notice a colleague is behaving differently to usual and this may prompt you to check in. You may say something like ‘I’ve noticed you’ve been very quiet in team meetings lately, is everything OK?

Warning signs that a colleague may be struggling:

• Poor attention and concentration
• Difficulty making decisions
• Fatigue
• Withdrawal and isolation
• Increased sick leave
• Workplace conflict and irritation with others
• Out of character emotions (for example angry outbursts or becoming teary when these are not common responses for that person).

There is lots more information available via the R U OK website and remember – you can ask ‘R U OK?’ any day of the year not just September 10! https://www.ruok.org.au/work