Tracksafe: How to help a workmate weather the storm

Robyn Ward • 25 May 2016

Have you noticed a workmate is behaving differently? Or doesn’t seem 100 per cent?

Weathering the storm

Don’t ignore these signs.

Instead, be a workmate’s mate – like Barry Roughley – and help them talk about what’s going on.

“We all know there can be multiple stresses in everyone’s lives, and for the most part we can operate very well and take things in our stride. But there are times unexpected things happen; whether it’s financial, personal or work related. I was under some pressure myself a while ago and speaking to another Peer Support volunteer helped me understand that even a small change could have a huge effect on how I was coping. As a Peer Support volunteer, I’ve had similar chats with colleagues countless times and have experienced the difference a bit of support at work can make first-hand and seen the positive effect on my friends and colleagues who have needed a little support.”

Barry works in the rail industry as a Passenger Service Manager. He’s also a Peer Support volunteer and knows that chatting through stuff with colleagues can help someone through life’s ups and downs.

“I care for all the people I work with. I care that they’re feeling ok and going ok. That’s why I make the time to check in with people at work."

“In the past, I’ve had colleagues who were supporting members of their family through a long illness. I’d check in with them regularly and ask how they’re going. Sometimes, they had a lot to say and at other times not so much. However, I believe knowing there was somebody at work who wasn’t judgemental - who genuinely wanted to know how they were and cared they we’re doing ok - made a difference. I think caring and supportive conversations are important because it shows that you have a real interest in that person and their wellbeing.”

Barry believes it’s important to check in with someone as soon as your gut tells you they might be struggling.

“We work almost daily with our work colleagues, so you get to know the personality of your colleagues, even if they aren’t a close workmate. If you notice a change in a person’s usual personality, it can’t hurt to ask how they’re doing or let them know you’ve noticed they’re not their usual self. As a Peer Supporter and as a manager with 28 staff, I am better able to be there for my team if I see those changes early. Then I can offer some help and support, even if it’s simply a friendly non-judgemental ear.”

Barry says there are lots of questions that can help colleagues open up about things that might be troubling them.

“Conversation starters can be simple. For example you could just say, ‘How are things going? You look a little bit down today.’ Most times - particularly if they know and trust you - they will give you an answer such as, ‘Well yeah, I’ve got a few things going on right now.’ Then you could reply with ‘Do you want to chat about it over a coffee?’ or ‘If you ever want to talk about it I’m here.’ Most of us probably don’t even notice this type of conversation is already part of our daily routine. We need to keep that up because it helps us be attuned to those around us.”

But he doesn’t recommend forcing the conversation.

“If someone’s not ready to talk, that’s ok. I’ll say something along the lines of ‘That’s ok, but I’m here when you want to and when you’re ready.’ If they’ve got walls up there’s no point banging on the wall. It’s a case of assuring them you’re there if they ever need you. It’s also about checking in with them again in a day or so just so they know there’s support if they ever need it.”

Check out how you can help a workmate by starting a conversation at ruok.org.au.

If you're part of the Rail Industry and want to encourage meaningful conversation, check out our Rail R U OK?Day campaign: http://tracksafefoundation.com.au/rail-ruok-day/

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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