Tracksafe: Why workplace conversations matter: 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.