Workplace honoured for building an R U OK? Culture
The ANZ Mental Health Network has received the ‘Workplace’ Award at the 2025 Barbara Hocking Memorial Awards.
Hosted by suicide prevention organisation R U OK?, the awards recognise efforts to create a world where we are all connected and protected from suicide across four categories; Workplace, Education, Community and Conversation Leader.
The judging panel recognised ANZ Mental Health Network for their outstanding contribution to suicide prevention, along with its transformative, inclusive approach to workplace mental health.
The ANZ Mental Health Network, chaired by Sarah Soncini, is an employee-led initiative with over 2,900 members globally. It has embedded the R U OK? message into ANZ’s daily culture, empowering staff at all levels to lead meaningful conversations and foster psychological safety.
What began with a single act of vulnerability in 2018 has grown into a global movement of connection, supported by storytelling events, advocacy talks, and cross-team collaboration.
In announcing ANZ Mental Health Network as the award recipient, Amy Cranney, National Training Manager at Connor Menswear, and member of the judging panel, highlighted the value of their efforts.
"The ANZ Mental Health Network shows how a single story can spark a movement," said Ms Cranney.
"Their commitment to connection, inclusion and lived experience has created a genuine R U OK? culture, ensuring ‘are you OK?’ is not just a question, but a cultural norm used any day across the organisation."
