What being an R U OK? workplace champion has taught me

Every workplace is made up of people juggling deadlines, expectations, personal challenges and the everyday pressures of life. That’s why initiatives like R U OK? Day are so important, they remind us to pause, check in with one another and create a culture where genuine conversations are encouraged.

When I was nominated to be LKB’s R U OK? Workplace Champion, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I found myself thinking that I’m not a counsellor or an expert, and that I definitely didn’t have all the answers! But what I do have is a genuine belief that small conversations can change someone’s day, and sometimes even their life.

An R U OK? Day Champion is an everyday person who helps normalise meaningful check-ins by encouraging conversations, creating small moments of connection, sharing resources and leading by example.

We all know how hectic work life can be and when we’re caught up in the day-to-day, it’s easy to forget that the people around us might be carrying something heavy that we can’t always see.

I learnt that being an R U OK? Day Champion isn’t about fixing anyone’s problems. It’s about showing up, being present and reminding your team that it’s okay to talk, and it’s okay to ask for help.

For me, that’s meant:

• Implementing wellbeing check-ins during our 1:1 meetings.
• Encouraging others to feel confident asking, “Are you OK?” in their own way.
• Making sure our team knows about the support available to them.
• Organising small moments of connection and appreciation. This could be a morning tea, a shared lunch, dedicated spaces for conversation, and opportunities to celebrate our team’s successes and achievements.

I’ve seen how connection shifts a workplace. When people feel supported, they open up and teams collaborate better. Stress feels more manageable and most importantly, people feel seen. Being an R U OK? Day Champion has reminded me that care doesn’t need to be complicated, it just needs to be genuine.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt is that people want to talk, they just need permission. A simple question, asked with sincerity, can open a door that someone has been waiting to walk through. I’ve also learnt the power of listening without rushing in to solve things. Just being there, really being there, can make a bigger difference than we often realise.

And finally, I’ve learnt that wellbeing isn’t a once-a-year conversation. R U OK? Day is the spark, but the real impact happens in the everyday moments, the quick check-in after a meeting, the message to a colleague who seemed a bit off and the follow-up a week later.

Taking on the role of an R U OK? Day Champion is a meaningful step toward building a workplace where wellbeing is valued, support is normalised and conversations about mental health happen all year round. We all have the power to make the workplace a little kinder, a little safer and a little more connected. Being an R U OK? Day Champion is just one way to do that, but it’s one I’m deeply grateful for.

If you’re interested in becoming an R U OK? Day Champion or want to explore how you can bring more meaningful conversations into your workplace, you can find helpful resources, toolkits and training materials on the official R U OK? website. It’s a great place to start if you’d like to build confidence, learn practical conversation skills, or support your team more effectively.

If you or someone around you is struggling or needs immediate support, please reach out. You’re not alone. Lifeline: 13 11 14 (Available 24/7 for confidential crisis support).