Meaningful conversation is good for business

hello • 21 February 2019



On average, Australian employees take 8.8 unscheduled days off per year (1). This costs employers approximately $578 per employee per absent day, with the annual cost of absenteeism to the Australian economy an estimated $44 billion per year (2).

Stress and depression are the largest contributors to lost productivity in Australia. Each year, a total of 3.2 days per worker are lost - due to workplace stress. (3)

And putting the dollar and cents aside, there is also a human cost. Behind these figures are people feeling undervalued, overwhelmed or just downright low.

The good news is early intervention and support can make a difference. Productivity losses are halved when employees with mental health conditions seek early intervention or treatment.

One of the keys to enabling this change is ensuring that business leaders, managers and peers discuss the benefits of getting help in a genuine, positive way. With international figures showing people would be unlikely to disclose a mental health condition to their employer for fear of repercussions, there’s a pressing need to eradicate stigma and discrimination, whilst ensuring we reach out and support our colleagues when it's needed.

What can you do to create a more supportive culture?

For employees:


  • Notice the small signs that suggests a colleague is not doing so well
  • If you sense something is not right, approach them and start a conversation
  • Avoid trying to solve their problems. Instead, offer support and help them to identify potential next steps.
  • Follow up and check in with them after the conversation.
  • If you don’t know a colleague well you can encourage someone who has a closer relationship to check in with them.


For supervisors and managers:


  • Encourage employees to speak to their manager if they’re having any issues. If an employee comes to you, treat them with sensitivity, respect and empathy.
  • If you’re going to ask an employee “Are you ok?” pick your moment. Choose a private and informal location, and suitable time. Make sure you’ve blocked out enough time for the conversation.
  • Listen without judgement and take what they say seriously.
  • Encourage them to take action such as talking to family, a trusted friend, their doctor or Employee Assistance Provider (EAP).
  • Have a record of the details of your local EAP contact and your Human Resources Department that you can pass on.
  • Maintain their confidentiality and privacy.
  • Remember to follow up in a few days and check how the person is going.

Marty Zeck makes the time to ask, "Are you OK?" whenever he's concerned a workmate's struggling:

Caring for yourself and others following traumatic events

14 December 2025
The recent incident in Sydney has left many feeling distressed and overwhelmed, and you may notice the children in your life are struggling too. Below, you’ll find advice from mental health experts on caring for your own wellbeing, and providing meaningful support to others in the days and weeks ahead. Talking to children about traumatic events Children are likely to have seen and heard distressing information about this incident. Ongoing news coverage, images and discussion can intensify feelings of anxiety, sadness and anger. The Child Mind Institute has published a practical guide to help parents and carers talk with children about traumatic events. The guide offers practical age-specific advice and has been developed by experts in child psychology, you can access this guide here . Events involving violence or serious harm can be especially difficult for children to understand or discuss. The guide focuses on helping children feel safe, supported and reassured, and encourages parents, carers or guardians to: Provide comfort and reassurance, including physical affection Remain calm and measured when discussing the event Maintain regular routines to restore a sense of normality Encourage play, connection and time with others Share honest, age-appropriate information from trusted sources Limit children’s exposure to news, especially younger children Listen patiently and validate children’s feelings Recognise that fear, anger, sadness or guilt are all normal reactions Looking after yourself, and supporting others Rachel Clements, R U OK? Advisor, and Director of Psychological Services at Centre for Corporate Health, said strong emotional reactions are normal and healthy for people of all ages following public acts of violence, even among those not directly impacted. “Some reactions that are incredibly normal are concern, shock, horror, disbelief. When that wears off sometimes, people experience stronger feelings, sometimes anger, despair, sadness, anxiety or fear-based behaviour."  Ms Clements advised that connecting with friends, sporting clubs, or workplace networks, and simply asking ‘are you OK?’, can play a key role in supporting people experiencing distress. "This event will disrupt the nervous system. One of the most important things we can do is stay connected, talk to each other and lean into supportive conversations,” Ms Clements said. She suggested starting a genuine conversation by asking questions such as: 'it's been tough watching this information coming to light, how are you feeling about it?’ “Then, all you’ve got to do is listen with empathy, without judgment or interruption, and just allow someone to talk about their experience and how they are feeling. When it is the right time in the conversation, you can then gently guide someone towards supportive actions, like doing some gentle exercise, staying connected with friends and family, or maintaining regular routines.” Ms Clements emphasised the importance of checking in again to ensure people have continued support. If you notice someone’s distress is ongoing for several weeks and begins to affect their work or social life, professional help should be encouraged. If you or the children in your care are experiencing ongoing distress, consider speaking with a doctor or another trusted healthcare provider. Free and professional 24/7counselling services are available, find contact details here . If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. Ask R U OK? Any Day.

2025 with R U OK?

11 December 2025
This year, Australians continued to grow their confidence and capability to ask, 'are you OK?' any day of the year - reminding us how real connection and meaningful conversations can happen in the most ordinary, everyday moments. Across every age and stage of life, people helped normalise these important check-ins by looking out for one another, reducing stigma, and driving genuine change. Thanks to our supporters, awareness continues to expand in schools, workplaces, sporting clubs, and communities in every corner of Australia. Thank you to everyone who started conversations, and to everyone who supported the mission and work of R U OK?. Below is a short video which shares a glimpse of the activity made possible through collaboration. *Voice-over by former-CEO, Katherine Newton.

Connecting generations through conversation and storytelling

10 December 2025
From growing up on farms to a shared interest in history, Australians, young and old, are discovering just how much they have in common, and how storytelling can connect generations in unexpected ways. What’s bringing them together is 'Heart and Soul Story', a social enterprise that fosters intergenerational connections. Through its programs, young people and older generations come together in aged care homes and schools to share stories, build life skills, and prevent loneliness. At a recent session which encouraged everyone to Ask R U OK? Any Day, students visited an aged-care community with R U OK? Conversation Bingo cards, which feature prompts to spark humour, curiosity, and connection.
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