Today is R U OK? Day, a timely reminder to pause, reflect, and connect.
It’s a day that encourages us all to check in with ourselves and those around us, because a simple conversation can make a world of difference.
Every day, our incredible partners work hard to foster workplaces where mental health is a priority and wellbeing is actively supported. In recognition of R U OK? Day, we spoke with some of our partners and clients to learn more about how they approach mental health in the workplace, and how they’re using this day to spark meaningful conversations.
From wellbeing programs to open lines of communication, these conversations reflect the impact of empathy, connection, and community in building healthier, more supportive workplaces.
This R U OK? Day, reflect not only on checking in with those around you, but also on the courage it takes to create change, for yourself, your workplace, and your community.”
Patrizia Cassaniti
Let’s Talk About Safety,
Founder & CEO
“Good work is mental health promoting. But sometimes work isn’t good, and that is increasingly known to make people unwell. So beyond asking R U OK? ask your employees, “is work good, or does it suck?” and “if we could make one change today to make it not suck, what would that be?”
Small changes can have big impact, particularly when you multiply this across hundreds or thousands of employees.”
Jason van Schie
FlourishDX,
Founder & CEO
“At Baptcare, we know that work shapes our wellbeing. We spend a third of our lives at work, and while physical safety has long been a focus, research and lived experience reminds us that mental wellbeing deserves the same attention. You wouldn’t come to work with a sprained ankle, so why should we ignore the signs of a “mental sprain” like fatigue or burnout?
We engaged a specialist to develop proactive tools to prevent harm, reactive supports to protect staff when risks arise, and embedded both into our systems and culture.
Our focus is year-round, not just on RUOK? Day. Collaboration between our teams ensures our people have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to look after their mental wellbeing and feel supported at work.”
Mette Gruettner
People Culture and Safety,
Baptcare
“At home and at work, I champion psychologically safe spaces, where vulnerability is met with support, not stigma. Embedding wellbeing into everyday conversations, from frontline workers to executives, elderly parents to grown-up children, is just part of how I lead.
Wellbeing isn’t a program; it’s a culture and a commitment. It’s lived every day, year-round, driving trust, resilience, and sustainable performance by responding to early signs of strain with conversation, care, and action, not silence.”
Kara Wise
HSE Global,
Group Director
“Across industries, we see a consistent theme: many employees still feel unsafe to speak up, despite posters on the back of the toilet door or box-ticking initiatives. Our work focuses on helping employers move beyond tokenistic gestures to drive genuine cultural and systemic change. We aim to create environments where psychological safety is real, and conversations about mental health are supported every day – removing the ‘day’ from RUOK? Day.”
Anna Feringa
Founder & CEO,
Anna Feringa Consulting
“At Mitchell we believe that what you say and do has a much greater impact than a policy on your intranet. RUOK? Day reminds us to check in with colleagues and ask, “Are you okay?” More than a simple greeting, it’s a call to create a supportive workplace where conversations about mental health are encouraged.
By taking the time to genuinely connect and listen, we can identify those who may be struggling and guide them towards help. It’s a reminder that a simple question can make a big difference.”
Donna Brown
OHS and Wellbeing Coordinator,
Mitchell Shire Council
