Have you heard about RUOK? Started in New Zealand, every September, R U OK? Day reminds us of the power of a simple question: “Are you OK?”
Th theme for 2025 is, “Ask R U OK? Any Day,” to highlight that this question and these conversations are not only for a single day a year, but to be effective requires how we are connected to one another every single day.
This matters everywhere and especially in workplaces! Organizations fostering a culture of belonging, inclusion, welcomeness, and psychological safety are essential so that all stakeholders feel it is the acceptable – and expected – work culture to check in, be heard, and genuinely listen. At Dimensions we have weekly Huddles to discuss projects, etc., but at the beginning of each Huddle we spend time checking in with each other on what is going on personally – the good, the bad, and the ugly! It is supportive and therapeutic!
We’ve blogged before on dis-stress and burnout in the workplace (Well-Being and Safety Require a Broader Systems View; Considerations to Prevent Work-Related Burnout: A systems approach). Most concerns are addressed as individual issues that often go unnoticed at first, or are accepted as part of getting the work done. Unfortunately, eventually performance and well-being are impacted and both can be significant.
Checking in to get a pulse on R U OK? can make a difference! BUT, asking is just the first step of the process. It requires leaders and stakeholders to,
- Watch for early signs of stress and burnout before both escalate
- Promote social well-being at your organization to ensure trust and cultivate connection
- Actively listen
- Foster caring deeply, not just for the work performed and the product developed, but also for all stakeholders at your organization
- Cultivate psychological safety
- Normalize supportive and caring conversations – employees and leaders will thrive and flourish
- Implement well-being and building resilience initiatives
Our mental well-being matters! Make R U OK? a Wellness Program partnership with HR, and Occupational Health and Safety. Involve management and employee committees to collaborate, discuss, plan, and develop an R U OK? initiative. Begin now and make it a sustainable component of your wellness and safety programs, as well as your leadership development efforts to foster a culture of psychological safety. R U OK? can become a cornerstone of well-being at your organization!
Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash