R U OK? Day at Work

Building an R U OK? culture in your workplace is essential.

Friends (including those at work) are one of the most important sources of encouragement and support for good mental health. For those who have returned to the office, adopted a hybrid working model, or are still working remotely, we encourage you to check in on your friends, colleagues and work family and ask, R U OK?

R U OK? have resources specially designed for the workplace to help you start the conversation and provide an ongoing safe and inviting culture. Scroll down to see a few of our favourite ideas to raise awareness across the office this R U OK? Day.

Build an R U OK? culture at your workplace this September with the help of some of our favourite ideas, perfect no matter where your staff are working.

Start the conversation at work:

Lunch and Learn Sessions
To provide team members with the tools to recognise when someone might be struggling and how to have these conversations. Also, to understand their mental health and how to self-care.

Conversation Bingo
When we get to know each other, we build trust and open up opportunities for more meaningful conversations that help others open up about their ups and downs. Conversation Bingo can be played with up to 30 people or people can team up in pairs or groups for larger office environments.

Yoga/Meditation/Mindfulness Sessions
Organise a morning tea, followed by yoga/meditation in a nearby park and offer colouring activity stations for those who may need a more private space. Allowing staff the time out to reset and destress has significant mental health benefits.

Start the conversation with staff working remotely:

Host a Digital Event
In certain situations, we need to make use of technology that can bring people together virtually. Organise a virtual gathering and encourage employees to turn their cameras on. If you register your event with R U OK? they will assist you and send you a pack to facilitate your event. You can even utilise break-out rooms to create more intimate settings.

Meet Outside the Office
Perhaps organise to go on a walk and talk with your colleagues. If exercise is permitted, use the opportunity to go for a walk with someone and ask them if they are ok.

Create a Conversation Quiz
Create an online quiz for employees to participate in. There are many free tools such as Kahoot which is a great way to interact with your workforce online.