R U OK?

Thursday 10 September 2020 is our national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone that any day is the day to ask “Are you OK?”. It’s one simple conversation, you don’t have to be an expert to reach out- just a good friend and a great listener.

Use these four steps and have a conversation that could change a life:

1. Ask R U OK?

2. Listen

3. Encourage action

4. Check-in

A conversation saved my life: Justin’s powerful, life-changing story.

R U OK? AT WORK

As employers or staff, we can all create a culture where people feel confident asking and answering this simple yet important question. Besides our legal responsibility for providing a safe and healthy workplace, these conversations can make a real difference to staff going through a tough time. R U OK? RESOURCES

The Blackdog Institute has resources to support workplaces during COVID-19.

Depending on your organisation, you and your team may now be working remotely, running staggered rosters, or working modified duties on site. These changes, coupled with the ongoing health and economic threat of COVID-19, can have a significant impact on employee wellbeing.

As a manager, it’s important to think about how to support your staff, particularly those struggling with stress and other emotions. Here’s what you can do.

• Maintain regular catch-ups with your team

• Look out for signs of struggle

• Set up regular 1:1 meetings with staff you’re concerned about

• Provide support, both in and beyond the workplace

• Keep an eye on your own mental health

If you or someone you know is struggling these 24/7 counselling services can help.

• Lifeline Australia | 13 11 14

• Kids Helpline | 1800 55 1800

• MensLine Australia | 1300 78 99 78

• Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467

• Beyond Blue | 1300 22 4636

• Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling | 1800 011 046

Take care of yourself!

Claire

Claire Gray

Consultant, Coach & Facilitator at Thriving Culture

Claire is passionate about building high performing teams and people so that they can thrive. She is an accomplished HR Consultant, Coach & Facilitator and has over 15 years experience in Human Resources, Leadership & Organisational Development, and Change Management. Claire works with businesses on their People Strategy to develop their leadership capability, embed a purpose led-culture, and build a high performing team. She holds a Masters of Business (Human Resource Management), a Bachelor of Behavioural Science, and is a certified Facet5 (personality assessment) practitioner. With over 500 coaching hours and accreditation with the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership, Claire works with clients as an Executive/ Leadership coach, career and small business coach.