Tracksafe: Why workplace conversations matter: Keeping each other on track

Robyn Ward • 19 April 2016

None of us are immune to life’s curveballs; even though we sometimes like to pretend we are.

Keeping each other on track

It’s why support from workmates is so invaluable when those feelings of invincibility slip (sometimes rapidly) away.

Annual Relief Station Officer Jamie Robertson knows first-hand the difference workmates can make when the chips are down.

“My daughter Chloe’s had a long battle with anxiety and depression. Obviously, that takes a toll on you emotionally as a parent. I’ve also recently been diagnosed with cancer for the second time, which isn’t the greatest thing. I try to always be a positive person in the workplace but things can get to you sometimes.”

Jamie’s colleagues have been a huge source of support and helped him remain upbeat and positive.

“I think most people on the railways are pretty compassionate to one another. Recently, I’ve received a lot of support at work. I’ve been fortunate that a lot of my colleagues have helped out where they can; especially making sure I can make all my doctors’ appointments. I’m very thankful for that.

“The support of our colleagues is so important because we spend a third of our day at work and can carry a lot around. Having a conversation with people you trust at work can help unburden the load. You’re not bottling in stuff that hurts. That’s why I think it’s very important to build a good working relationship and share some personal stuff.”

Jamie believes that showing genuine care and concern for your colleagues can help them open up when times are tough.

“When people ask how I’m going, I tend to go with the easy answer of ‘Yeah, everything’s ok’. But when I can see someone’s genuinely concerned I’m more comfortable opening up to them.

“My workmate John’s the type of person who shows that genuine concern. One conversation with him really stands out. I remember he started with ‘How are you going?’ and he asked a few questions about Chloe. I said, ‘Everything’s ok. She’s still here, so I’ve got something to be positive about’ and so forth. He went ‘No, no. How are you doing?’ Rather than just investigating what was going on with Chloe he said ‘It’s obvious you care for your daughter, but it must be tough for you?’ I said, ‘Yeah, I’ve been a bit down recently’ and we had a chat about that.”

When someone is going through a tough time, Jamie says it can help to link up with a person or service that can provide some extra support. He was grateful John made the effort to connect him with the Employee Assistance Program. He says talking to the EAP helped him process what he was going through.

“When he heard I was feeling a bit down, John encouraged me to get a bit of extra support. He made it such a simple thing to do by going ‘It can help to speak to someone, so I’ve actually arranged for you to do that’. That’s when he put me in touch with the EAP. The EAP is totally independent. They’re not metro employees, so you can feel completely comfortable chatting to them. I had a chat with them, which helped. That wouldn’t have happened if John hadn’t shown that initiative.”

Jamie’s got some advice for anyone who wants to start a conversation with a workmate they’re worried about:

“Sometimes the first answer we give is the one we think other people want to hear; that everyone’s ok and everything’s well. When people recognise things are ‘off’ they need to investigate a bit further, so you open up a bit more. They need to delve a bit deeper, just like John did. Don’t be afraid to do that.”

Do you work in the Rail industry? Get involved in Rail R U OK?Day (Thursday 21 April 2016) - a campaign we've developed with Tracksafe. Find out how here: http://tracksafefoundation.com.au/rail-ruok-day/

Are you worried about a colleague? Find out how to start the conversation on the How to Ask page.

Announcement from the CEO, Katherine Newton

by Katherine Newton • 16 October 2025
After ten years of teamwork, partnerships, growth, and countless conversations, I will be stepping down as CEO from 1 December 2025. It has been an extraordinary privilege to contribute to the growth of this movement and to witness meaningful change before my eyes. Gavin Larkin founded R U OK? because he believed conversation has the power to change lives. One seemingly simple question, when asked with genuine intent and care, can start a meaningful and sometimes complex conversation. And that’s what Gavin wanted. For people to look beyond responses of “I’m fine” or “All good” and ask, “Are you really OK?”. The notion of going deeper with conversations, of asking a second time, of trusting our guts and moving past our hesitation - is being grasped and moving beyond one day to any day. Whilst saying “G’day how are you?” will always be a greeting - we can do more. When Gavin lost his father to suicide he wanted to try and protect other families from the pain his endured. He wanted to get people talking and having real chats about how they’re feeling with their mates, their family and their colleagues. In locker rooms, lunch rooms, and lounge rooms across the nation. But he approached it from a different angle. Gavin wanted all of us to have the confidence to support the people we care about who might be struggling with life. To make conversations a natural part of our behaviour, to openly show our signals of support. So as R U OK? generations continue to evolve, my chapter is coming to a close. How fortunate I am to have been part of the story. From hesitant glances during presentations in 2015 to queues of people waiting for a conversation in 2025. From yellow wigs in the office, to welcoming yellow-swathed Ambassadors to share their lived experience. From yellow coffee cups in a café, to yellow cars driving into communities nationwide. And yes, there’s been a few cupcakes along the way. Social change is happening, and we are all a part of it. No one organisation can prevent suicide, no one individual can save everyone - but the power of many can make a difference.
Michelle Heyman on the field.

Michelle Heyman on speaking out and starting over

8 October 2025
Matildas forward Michelle Heyman talks about how one of the most challenging transitions of her life became the most transformative, thanks to the support of her fiancée Christine.
Five R U OK? Community Ambassadors pose in park wearing black and yellow R U OK? t shirts

Show you care during Mental Health Month

25 September 2025
It’s Mental Health Month. Here’s what you can do to connect with your community, look after your mental health and support someone who might be struggling.
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