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R U OK? Day 2025

Mental Health in the Workplace

9 Sept 2025 (Last updated 9 Sept 2025)

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R U OK? The three-word question and ten-minute chat that could change somebody’s life.

Each year on the second Thursday in September is National R U OK? Day. This day is dedicated to reminding everyone that every day is the day to ask, ‘Are you OK?”

History

In 2009, founder Gavin Larkin wanted to ask one question, ‘Are you okay?’ to honour his father and try to prevent and protect other families from the pain of losing someone to suicide. He collaborated with Janina Nearn on a documentary to raise awareness, but they felt it wouldn’t be enough.

To impact and change behaviour, a national campaign was needed. With this realisation, the idea of R U OK? Day was born. This movement is aimed at offering Australians skills and confidence to support those struggling with their mental health or feeling overwhelmed.

Break down workplace barriers

What can you do?

R U OK Day is about everyone feeling heard and supported, including small business owners. Running your business can be time consuming and often stressful with many responsibilities. Mental health and wellbeing can often take a back seat. How can you look after others if your personal health is suffering?

Be responsive

Some conversations can be challenging and complicated. How can you handle those at the workplace? What response can you offer? Do you have a support system such as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) employees can contact?

Encourage employees to reach out

Sometimes support can mean asking your colleagues and staff about how they feel. You can start conversations about their job capacities, stress, or their mental health. It can be as simple as making time for open and honest conversations.

Have two-way conversations

Are you listening to your staff? What do they need? Is there space to have a two-way conversation? Your efforts may be futile if employees feel like you are not listening. Failure to communicate effectively can impact employee morale and productivity.

Plan next steps

Prepare next steps after having these conversations. You can put the steps in writing and share this documentation with your employee. This documentation should include time dedicated to the plan and the approach to be taken.

Follow up

Has a plan been actioned? How is the employee feeling? Is there any change or update? Do they need regular check-ins or time with you?

Making a difference

Nobody should ever suffer in silence with mental health issues. It’s always good to talk. But sometimes discussing mental health or personal challenges can feel uncomfortable.

Some people may be afraid of being stigmatised or discriminated against, while others may worry it will affect their career prospects or how their job performance is perceived.

Sometimes, simply not knowing how to raise the subject can prevent someone from getting the emotional support they really need. If you see someone battling, don’t wait for them to speak up – take the initiative yourself.

R U OK? has developed four conversation steps to give you the skills and confidence to navigate a conversation with someone you're worried about.

  • Ask
  • Listen
  • Encourage action
  • Check in

Handling a sensitive subject

If you decide to start a conversation with a co-worker, be sure to handle the situation delicately. For many people, mental health can be a sensitive subject.

Here are some tips that can help the conversation go smoothly:

The right time and place:

Choose a time and place where you will not be interrupted and the person feels comfortable talking. A private office or quiet coffee shop may be good options.

Ask the question:

The best way to start a mental health conversation is to be direct and ask, “Are you okay?”. This shows the person you are concerned about them and you’re open to talking about mental health.

Listen without judgment:

When the person starts talking, listen without judgment. People dealing with mental health challenges can be especially sensitive. If you say something judgmental, they may feel misunderstood and become defensive or stop talking.

Encourage them to talk:

It’s important to encourage the person to talk about how they are feeling. This can help them start to process what they are going through.

Offer your support:

Let the person know you are there for them and will support them any way you can. Remind them you’re always available when they need to talk.

Don’t try to fix things:

It’s important to remember you cannot fix the person’s mental health problems. The best thing you can do is offer support and encourage them to seek professional help if they need it.

Be positive:

Highlight the person’s personal and professional strengths. People suffering with mental health challenges often have a diminished sense of self-worth, so it helps to make them feel positive about themselves. Let the person know you believe in them, and they can get through this.

Be mindful of body language:

Avoid crossing your arms or looking away, as this can make the person feel like you are not interested or losing patience.

Reassure confidentially:

Employees are often reluctant to open-up about their challenges and mental health issues, concerned colleagues may find out they're struggling. Ensure you reassure them anything they discuss is in the strictest confidence.

By listening with an open mind and heart, you can let someone know you care, and they are not alone.

What if they’re not ready to talk?

If the person is not ready to talk, that’s okay. Let them know you are there for them when they are ready. You can also offer to help find professional support, such as a therapist or an EAP.

A life-changing chat

If you notice a co-worker struggling, don’t wait for someone else to reach out to them. Simply put, the best person to help is the first person to notice.

Wisdom Wellbeing is an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to Peninsula’s clients, employees and their immediate family members to discuss personal or professional challenges that may be impacting their work performance or mental health.

For advice or support, you or your family can contact these helplines:

Lifeline (24/7) Beyond Blue (24/7) 1800RESPECT (24/7)
lifeline.org.au beyondblue.org.au 1800respect.org.au

This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute as professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. It does not take into consideration your specific business, industry or circumstances. You should seek legal or other professional advice regarding matters as they relate to you or your business. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Peninsula Group disclaim all liability for any errors or omissions contained in this information or any failure to update or correct this information. It is your responsibility to assess and verify the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of the information in this article.

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