How to Celebrate "R U OK DAY" in your Workplace
Infectious understands the importance of physical and mental health as sellers of medical scrubs, lab coats and uniforms for the healthcare industry. Sadly, mental health issues plague many Australians, making the need to start positive conversations and to share openly with trusted friends, family members, and colleagues more crucial than ever.
We understand that engaging with people from all walks of life, some at their most vulnerable can have a lasting effect on your mental health. Healthcare workers put their daily struggles aside to help others in pain. Some may find it hard to open up about their struggles if they believe people will sweep them under the rug.
Thankfully, the stigma of anxiety, depression and other mental health issues is lessening in Australia, thanks to public figures speaking out about their personal experiences and suicide prevention initiatives like the R U OK non-profit organisation.
What is R U OK? Day
Following his father's suicide, Gavin Larkin founded the R U, OK? The organisation is dedicated to suicide prevention. Subsequently, he started the national R U, OK? Day to raise awareness around being available to listen carefully to those around us and to identify when others may be struggling with their mental health.
R U OK? Created four easy ways to offer support to someone who may be visibly struggling or suffering in silence:
- Ask - Are you OK?
- Listen - With an open mind and an open heart
- Encourage Action - Remind the person of their strength and support available and offer suggestions and help
- Check-In - Follow up on the person's mental state
Why building R U OK? Culture in your workplace is essential.
Nurses, doctors and healthcare workers spend much time in their workplace. We are human; not everyone can turn their anxiety and concerns off at will.
Creating a workplace culture where your team feels confident reaching out and offering help is essential. This culture starts with giving everyone a safe space to have serious conversations in a supportive environment.
Recognising R U OK DAY is one step you can take to develop a culture of acknowledging mental health and modelling what it means to listen to and support your team actively.
How to celebrate R U OK? Day in your workplace
How can your workplace partake in R U OK Day?
BRING YOUR TEAM TOGETHER
Invite your team members to join you for morning tea, lunch or even a cup of coffee and open the conversation to anyone wanting to talk.
Make it clear:
- It is a space free from judgement
- No concern is too small
- You are there to listen and give support.
The R U OK event is a great way to build rapport with your team and other departments as you mingle in a low-key setting.
DESIGNATE A CONVERSATION ROOM
Make space available in your ward or practice, and let your team know they can use it to talk to co-workers, or you, at any stage throughout the day. Sometimes the best support you can give someone is just letting them know they can speak if and when they want to in a private space.
HOST A TEAM MEDITATIVE SESSION
Yoga and meditation are proven practices to improve mental health, and giving your team a chance to shut out the noise and relax with their co-workers is a great way to build camaraderie.
FRIENDLY COMPETITION
Sports and games are a great way to bond in team environments. Leave your workplace and have some fun with your team. Lawn bowls or a short game of cricket are always a good time. Or, if you can't leave your work, split everyone into groups and play crowd favourites, Celebrity Heads or Charades.
Celebrating R U OK Day in the workplace is important because mental health awareness is essential. More than ever, medical professionals need to know that their mental health struggles are taken seriously. You will create a safe working environment that your team will appreciate by showing care and support.
Work may be about work, but your workers have fears and worries like everyone else and acknowledging them will benefit everyone.
R U OK Day is held on the second Tuesday of September every year - this year will be Tuesday, 8 September.
Infectious will be partaking in the national day for action, and we hope you will too!
You may also want to join the Infectious Clothing Company's mental health initiative called Fun Friday Scrub Club.
R U OK? created four easy ways to offer support to someone who may be visibly struggling or suffering in silence:
- Ask - Are you OK?
- Listen - With an open mind and an open heart
- Encourage Action - Remind the person of their strength and support available and offer suggestions and help
- Check-In - Follow up on the person’s mental state
Why building R U OK? culture in your workplace is important
Nurses, doctors and healthcare workers spend much time in their workplace. We are only human, and not everyone can turn their anxiety and concerns off at will.
Creating a workplace culture where your team feels confident reaching out and offering help is essential. This culture starts with giving everyone a safe space to have serious conversations in a supportive environment.
Recognising R U OK DAY is one step you can take to develop a culture of acknowledging mental health and modelling what it means to listen to and support your team actively.
How to celebrate R U OK? Day in your workplace
How can your workplace partake in R U OK Day?
-
BRING YOUR TEAM TOGETHER
Invite your team members to join you for morning tea, lunch or even a cup of coffee and open the conversation to anyone wanting to talk.
Make it clear:
- It is a space free from judgement
- No concern is too small
- You are there to listen and give support.
The R U OK event is a great way to build rapport with your team and other departments as you mingle in a low-key setting.
-
DESIGNATE A CONVERSATION ROOM
Make space available in your ward or practice, and let your team know they can use it to talk to co-workers, or you, at any stage throughout the day. Sometimes the best support you can give someone is just letting them know they can talk if and when they want to in a private space.
-
HOST A TEAM MEDITATIVE SESSION
Yoga and meditation are proven practices to improve mental health, and giving your team a chance to shut out the noise and relax with their co-workers is a great way to build camaraderie.
-
FRIENDLY COMPETITION
Sports and games are a great way to bond in team environments. Leave your workplace and have some fun with your team. Lawn bowls or a short game of cricket are always a good time. Or, if you can’t leave your work, split everyone into groups and play crowd favourites, Celebrity Heads or Charades.
Celebrating R U OK Day in the workplace is important because mental health awareness is essential. More than ever, medical professionals need to know their mental health struggles are taken seriously. By showing care and support, you will create a safe working environment that your team will appreciate.
Work may be about work, but your workers have fears and worries like everyone else and acknowledging them will benefit everyone.
R U OK Day is held on the second Tuesday of September every year - this year will be Tuesday, 8 September.
Infectious will be partaking in the national day for action, and we hope you will too!
You may also want to join the Infectious Clothing Company's mental health initiative called Fun Friday Scrub Club.
