Save the date! Thursday 14 September is R U OK? Day.
R U OK? Day is a national day of action, reminding Australians that every day is the day to ask, ‘are you OK?’ (R U OK?) and start meaningful conversations if they spot the signs that someone they care about might be struggling.
This year, we reflect on the theme “I’m here to hear” and let our loved ones and colleagues know you’re here, to really hear them. By taking the time for an R U OK? conversation and genuinely listening with an open mind, we can all help the people in our world feel supported and connected.
The simple practice of checking in with each other is important to build the capacity of informal support networks – friends, family and colleagues – to be alert to those around them, have a conversation if they identify signs of distress or difficulty and connect someone to appropriate support, long before they’re in crisis. These conversations can make a real difference to employees going through a tough time and support a safe and healthy workplace.
A special edition of the Employee Wellbeing Forum is being planned for R U OK? Day this year. However, employees, managers and teams are also welcome to plan their own R U OK? Day activities and events each year. If you’re interested in getting involved, check out the starting points below on how to prepare for the occasion.
How to acknowledge R U OK? Day with your team
As with every year, you are welcome to celebrate R U OK? Day with your colleagues and teams. Official resources from the R U OK such as posters, the Guide to Supporting R U OK?, social media tiles, activity sheets, videos and more, visit the R U OK? website. There is also a range of resources to support health and wellbeing in your team on our Health and Wellbeing page on the intranet.
Add a Splash of Yellow
R U OK? merchandise can add a splash of yellow and reinforce the power of a conversation in your community and at your event.
Visit the R U OK? Store now to buy R U OK? t-shirts, wristbands, conversation cards and more to celebrate with your colleagues. Proceeds from the sale of merchandise support R U OK? to start more life-changing conversations. As advertised, merchandise orders must be submitted by Monday 28 August to ensure the supplies are delivered in time for R U OK? Day.
Alternatively, you can encourage your colleagues to display the colour yellow in the workplace or on their uniform, if it is safe to do so.
While we are spotlighting R U OK? Day in September, please remember that every day can be an R U OK? Day. So, start today! Let the people in your world know you’re here, to really hear because a conversation could change a life.
Approved by Chris McLoughlin, Executive Director, People and Culture