Mental health strategies to remember after R U OK? Day

Australia’s annual R U OK? Day serves as a great reminder to check in on each other in the workplace, yet it shouldn’t be restricted to one day every year. Here are some long-term strategies to apply year-round.

HR Leader recently spoke to organisational resilience, high-performance and wellbeing expert, co-founder, and CEO of Springfox, Peta Sigley, who is a passionate advocate for workplace mental health.

Sigley offered some simple insight into how workers can ask those easy questions that can offer the reassurance and support that one of their colleagues may desperately desire.

• “What’s been the hardest part of your day?”
• “Is there anything you wish could be different right now?”
• “How can I best support you?”

“These questions can transform a routine check-in into a meaningful conversation, providing the support and understanding that truly makes an impact,” said Sigley.

Sigley offered some guidance on how workers and leaders can be made aware if one of their colleagues or staff is going through some personal issues. Certain indicators can alert you to realise that your co-workers need some assistance.

“Signs of mental ill health can vary from one person to another, but there are several common indicators to be aware of. Mental signs include forgetfulness, confusion, and indecisiveness. You might notice someone frequently losing their train of thought or taking longer than usual to complete tasks,” said Sigley.

“Physical signs can involve changes in eating habits, irregular breathing, or sleep difficulties. Emotionally, a person may seem withdrawn, less lively, short-tempered, overly emotional, or prone to catastrophising. Being vigilant and recognising these signs early can prompt timely support and intervention.”

All levels of workers, at some stage throughout their careers, have experienced burnout in a relative capacity. It can be a difficult thing to overcome, as some workers often fail to admit to themselves that they are falling victim to burnout and instead will continue to push on, only worsening the symptoms.

“It’s a common paradox: finding yourself burnt out by the very job or lifestyle you love. Passion for your work or personal pursuits can drive you to push beyond your limits, often leading to burnout. Loving what you do is a gift, but it’s important to balance passion with practical self-care and boundaries to sustain your energy and wellbeing in the long run,” said Sigley.

“Recovery from burnout requires a multifaceted approach. Start by identifying and eliminating stressors where possible. Prioritise rest and relaxation to allow your body and mind to heal. Incorporate regular physical activity, even gentle exercises like walking or yoga, to reduce stress.”

“Ensure you are getting quality sleep and maintaining a balanced diet. Reconnect with hobbies and activities that bring you joy and satisfaction. Most importantly, seek professional help if needed to guide you through recovery and prevent burnout from occurring again.”