Last month we celebrated R U OK? Day, a day to remind us to meaningfully connect with our colleagues and loved ones and provide support to those who may be struggling or not doing so well.
Leading up to the day, teams were asked to share photos and/or a short story to show how they were supporting one another and facilitating these important conversations about mental health and wellbeing every day.
We are pleased to announce the two competition winners below, who will receive a relaxation and meditation session for their team.
Winner – Monash Health Foundation
The team at the Monash Health Foundation celebrated R U OK? Day by donning yellow, organising a group session with a quiz, and engaging in a discussion about how to have important conversations around mental health.
“The Monash Health Foundation Social Committee motivated our team members to wear yellow on R U OK? Day, to show our support. We also organised a half hour catch up, virtually, to engage with some R U OK? Day content, embrace the day and learn how to approach a sensitive topic.
“Overall, we received positive feedback about the session. Team members mentioned they felt more confident in how to approach an R U OK? conversation, which we will all hopefully use in our personal life as well as work life. We will continue to support each other by looking out for one another, following up on people who have had a rough time, and simply asking R U OK? if we can sense someone is in need of help.”
Winner – Casey Imaging
The Casey Imaging team marked R U OK? Day by decorating their area and reminding each other, patients and visitors that saw their display to continue to ask the important questions, ‘raise awareness of R U OK? day and encourage colleagues to check in on each other’ every day.
Honourable mention – Music Therapy/Allied Health Casey Hospital
The music therapy team at Casey Hospital created a calm and welcoming environment for employees, patients and visitors on R U OK? Day. The shared experience of music brought teams together and helped start conversations about the importance of wellbeing and the different things we can do every day to support ourselves and those around us – including through music!
“Casey Music Therapists, Carena Khoo and Caitlin Matters performed short brackets of bright and uplifting music for employees and patients on the wards on R U OK? Day – songs like “I Can See Clearly Now” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” “What a Wonderful World” “Three Little Birds” – were presented on guitar / voice / percussion.
“We are pleased to report that the environmental music facilitated on selected wards here at Casey was very well received!
“Employees and patients alike popped out to listen and participate as part of R U OK? Day. It was wonderful to inject some positivity into the wards and to raise the music therapy profile.
“Valuable conversations were shared with employees and NUMs particularly around using live music to support employee and patient wellbeing.”
We would like to thank all the teams who submitted entries into the competition and for your commitment to making health and wellbeing a priority for your team members. See how some of the other teams celebrated R U OK? Day in the images below!
As team members and colleagues, we all have a responsibility to contribute to a safe workplace where people feel confident asking and truthfully answering the simple, yet important question – Are you okay? – today and every day.
Remember, if you or someone you care about is not doing okay, there are several resources, programs and support services available to help you. To continue the conversation and discussion learn more about filling up your wellbeing toolbox.
Approved by Karen Lowe.