2020 has been an incredibly challenging year for us all, bringing drastic changes to our way of life, placing an even greater emphasis on the importance of supporting one another and being there for our mates.

Today as we celebrate R U OK? Day, I encourage you all to take some time out of your day to reach out to someone – a colleague, friend or family member. Be human. Connect with people. Ask the question “Are you OK?” and make time to listen to the answer.

2020 has been an incredibly challenging year for us all, bringing drastic changes to our way of life, placing an even greater emphasis on the importance of supporting one another and being there for our mates.

Today as we celebrate R U OK? Day, I encourage you all to take some time out of your day to reach out to someone – a colleague, friend or family member. Be human. Connect with people. Ask the question “Are you OK?” and make time to listen to the answer.

Let’s aim to make our interactions less ‘transactional’ and take the time to stop and listen to what the other person has to say, and perhaps even share your story too.

Try not to be afraid of saying the wrong thing. The sentiment is what is most important. As the saying goes: People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.

Click here to hear some great advice from our Mental Health Champions.

A few minutes of your time and genuine care, has the potential to change someone’s life, and help to create a stronger, safer and more supportive culture.

We spend a great deal of time with our colleagues, probably even more than our families, so if someone is experiencing difficulty, which we all experience at one time or another, we are the people most likely to notice.

We all have a story, each and every one of us. By taking the time to share our own and listen to others’ stories, we build greater connections and closer working relationships, which can only lead to positive outcomes for ourselves and our workplaces.

No-one should feel unable to share their story. No-one should struggle alone. We are all in this together. Let’s all stop and make the time to check in and ask “Are you Ok?” today.

Please remember there is always more to say after “Are you OK?”.

Lisa McKeown
HSE Leader