Have you asked your coworkers if they're OK?

When was the last time you asked someone if they were okay?

This year has been particularly difficult for most of us, with many learning to adjust to remote working, to those who have become unemployed. In both cases, our mental well-being has been impacted in one way or another. Whilst asking your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbours how they are is a small gesture, it is one that can make a huge difference in their lives.

Workplace wellbeing

One of the greatest aspects of working in a coworking office is the friendships you form with your coworkers. It inspires conversation, collaboration, laughter, and endless stories. With the shift from going into the office to working from home, it has become difficult to check in with our coworkers, colleagues, and friends. Whilst for some, it may have provided the chance to slow down and reflect, for others it may have accelerated feelings of isolation and loneliness. That's why it's especially important, particularly in the 'socially distant' era that we live in, to reach out to those around us.

You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener

What can you do to create a supportive 'virtual office environment' as well as a physical one?

1. Utilise online resources

There are plenty of online resources that help provide you with the knowledge and tools to check in with your team effectively. As employers or staff, it is important to foster an environment that is safe and secure, providing opportunities for open communication and conversations. This can make a huge difference to staff who may be struggling. R U OK? Has plenty of resources that you can download and use throughout the year.

If you're back in the office, you can display support posters in the shared spaces

We have R U OK?'s 4 steps displayed in the kitchen to encourage conversation and offer some food for thought (fitting place to put the sign right!). Having the poster in the kitchen has meant that conversations are opened casually over a morning cup of coffee.

It acts as a simple, yet powerful reminder to reach out to those we work alongside every day.

2. Start every day by asking how your team members are and end each day with gratitude

This can be done virtually or in person. Utilising tools such as Slack helps to mimic the 'water cooler effect and offers casual channels of communication. The first conversation that should be had when your colleagues or coworkers arrive at the office, shouldn't be whether they've finished that "important" report, instead, you should ask:

How are you?

Ask how their weekend was and remember the smaller details, like, how did their children's birthday party go? Or did they end up watching the movie you had talked about? Showing that you are engaged, attentive, and genuinely interested in their lives can make a huge impact on their mindset and create a positive work environment.

An ongoing and important conversation to have throughout the day and an even greater way to end the day is by saying,

Thank you.

Thank your colleagues for their hard work, for the podcast they recommended, for the coffee... Appreciate the small things, and show them.

3. Don't sweat the small stuff

Be flexible! If your colleague hasn't seemed like themselves, find out whether there's anything you can do to help. Organise flexible hours, or change their shifts to fit their needs. Don't stress if they're a bit late to work one day - you never know the full situation. And give them the chance to express themselves creatively in all aspects of their work, it will benefit you in the long term.

Encourage them to take breaks, enjoy their coffee outside, take a lunchtime walk, and take their time.

R U OK?'s 4 steps:

1. Ask R U OK?

• Ask how they are, what's been going on recently, and if there's anything on their mind.
• Be relaxed, friendly, and concerned in your approach.
• Mention specific things that have made you concerned for them.

2. Listen

• Take what they say seriously and don't interrupt or rush the conversation.
• Don’t judge their experiences or reactions but acknowledge that things seem tough for them.
• Encourage them to explain: "How are you feeling about that?" or "How long have you felt that way?"

Listen wholeheartedly, be thoughtful, be tentative, be patient, be present.

3. Encourage action

• Ask: “What have you done in the past to manage similar situations?”
• Ask: “How would you like me to support you?"
• If they've been feeling really down for more than 2 weeks, encourage them to see a health professional. You could say, "It might be useful to link in with someone who can support you. I'm happy to assist you to find the right person to talk to.”

4. Check-in

• Pop a reminder in your diary to call them in a couple of weeks. If they're really struggling, follow up with them sooner.
• You could say: "I've been thinking of you and wanted to know how you've been going since we last chatted."

Stay in touch and be there for them. Genuine care and concern can make a real difference

So as R U OK? Day approaches, the Rubberdesk team asks you,

Who will you ask today?

Find Help

• R U OK
• R U OK Work Resources
• Lifeline Call 13 11 16 for 24/7 Crisis support
• Suicide Call Back Service Call 1300 659 467
• GriefLine Call 1300 845 745