With R U OK Day approaching in September, the national charity is putting its focus towards mental health in the transport and logistics sector.
New research has revealed a confidence gap when it comes to having meaningful R U OK? conversations, particularly within transport, warehousing and logistics.
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Three in four Australians believe it’s important to regularly ask someone if they’re OK, but a third might hesitate – even when they sense someone might be struggling. This hesitation often stems from concerns they might say the wrong thing, invade someone’s privacy, or not know how to help.
Psychologist, suicidologist, and R U OK? board member Ms Annie Fardell Hartley says the data tells a different story, with an overwhelming majority of people surveyed, 88 per cent, feeling grateful and supported when someone asked if they were OK.
“These conversations matter and they’re often more welcome than we think,” she says.
“People don’t expect you to have all the answers or the perfect words. They value trust, genuine care, and someone who really listens.”
The transport and logistics industry was ranked the lowest of all Australian sectors for workplace mental health in SuperFriend’s 2023 Indicators of a Thriving Workplace report.
As Australians prepare to mark R U OK?Day on Thursday, September 11, the need to support workers in this sector has never been clearer.
“R U OK?Day, our National Day of Action, is a powerful reminder, but it’s what we do regularly that truly makes a difference,” says R U OK? CEO Katherine Newton
“We want Australians to feel confident to check in with the people they care about – not only on R U OK?Day, but any day. Our research shows those who regularly have R U OK? conversations are significantly more likely to report increased feelings of wellbeing,”
Research has found people who engage with R U OK? are six times more likely to ask someone what’s troubling them, listen with empathy, and encourage them to seek support. They’re also more likely to check in regularly with the people they care about.
Visit ruok.org.au to access free tools, tips and resources to help you ask, listen and support someone who might be struggling. Because a conversation could change a life, any day of the year.
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