How to host an R U OK? Day event

R U OK? is an Australian suicide prevention charity that helps people to connect meaningfully, teaches them how to identify the warning signs of emotional distress and demonstrates how to facilitate mental health conversations.

The charity hosts R U OK? Day on 8 September every year. ICML encourages workplaces to host their own R U OK? Day event as it’s a great opportunity to spread awareness about mental health and show employees that employers are invested in their wellbeing.

ICML firmly believes that every organisation can make a difference in their employees’ lives by creating a space in which team members feel safe and comfortable asking and answering this question.

Here are five tips on how to host an R U OK? Day event at your workplace.

1. Mindfulness sessions

As Mindfulness.org explains, mindfulness is defined as “the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.” It’s used as a distress tolerance tool that helps people cope with immediate triggers. You can bring in a mindfulness specialist to show employees how to practise it.

2. Engaging guest speakers

Many people who are struggling with their mental health feel like they’re going through it alone. Invite a guest speaker who has struggled with mental health issues to share their experiences. This will help struggling employees understand that they can reach out for assistance if they need it.

By inviting a guest speaker to share their experiences, you can show your employees that they’re not alone.

3. Mental health professionals

Employees must learn how to handle a person’s responses to the question “are you okay?” in a sensitive and appropriate manner. Bring in a registered therapist or counsellor to teach employees how to facilitate a constructive conversation about mental health by encouraging people to take action and to check in with people.

4. Resource discussion panel

Host a panel discussion in which employees can express how they think employers can give them tangible resources and assistance to work through mental health problems. In this way, employers can understand how best to help their employees at a grassroots level.

5. Support survey

Administer a survey that asks employees about their feelings of belonging and connection in the workplace. Ask them about their experiences of the mental health support your organisation has in place so that you can learn whether it’s genuine, authentic and helpful. By analysing this feedback, you can learn what your workplace needs to do differently to support its employees.

ICML understands that employee mental and physical wellbeing is crucial to the success of your organisation. We offer a unique employee and organisational wellbeing training program that builds the capacity of participants to manage their own wellbeing and contribute to a happy and healthy workplace. Contact us today to find out more about the course and to discuss how ICML can help your organisation promote employee wellbeing.