Fostering a Culture of Connection: How ‘Are You OK?’ Day Can Empower Leaders to Support Mental Health
In today’s fast-paced world, pressures from work, personal struggles, and the stresses of daily life can weigh heavily on mental health. It’s why “Are You OK?” Day is so much more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of checking in with the people around us — not only in the workplace but across all aspects of our lives.
“Are You OK?” Day encourages us to recognise that a simple conversation can change the course of someone’s life. Mental health challenges often lurk beneath the surface, invisible to the outside world, which is why fostering a culture of empathy and connection is critical. And as leaders, it’s essential to build a safe environment where people feel encouraged to speak up about how they’re really feeling.
But it doesn’t end with asking the question. Creating a workplace where mental health is prioritised requires leaders to be proactive in recognising when someone might be struggling and to have the skills to respond with compassion and understanding.
The workplace is evolving, and so too are the expectations placed on leaders. Today’s leaders need to be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to address mental health challenges within their teams. This is where initiatives like Mental Health First Aid training play a crucial role.
Much like physical first aid, Mental Health First Aid empowers leaders with practical skills to recognise the signs of mental health challenges early on. This training prepares them to offer initial support in those critical moments when someone needs it most. It’s about giving leaders the confidence to not only ask, “Are you OK?” but also to provide meaningful support and guide team members through difficult moments. It also helps connect them with the right resources, ensuring that they get the help they need.
At Harrisons, we believe that creating safer and more supportive workplaces requires more than just understanding the risks associated with mental health. It’s about taking actionable steps to foster a supportive culture. The recent introduction of the Psychosocial Hazards Code of Practice has been an essential step toward identifying and managing risks to mental health within the workplace, but it is only one piece of the puzzle. It is equally important to equip leaders with the tools to navigate these challenges effectively.
Empathy, connection, and meaningful conversations should be part of the fabric of workplace culture. Mental health first aid training is an excellent place to start, helping leaders develop the skills they need to support their teams. When leaders have the confidence to engage in difficult conversations, it helps build a workplace where everyone feels safe to be themselves and share what they’re going through.
So, as we reflect on “Are You OK?” Day this year, let’s remember that this isn’t just a one-off question. It’s a call to action for leaders to be more engaged, more aware, and more prepared to support their teams through the challenges they may be facing. At Harrisons, we’re here to help. Reach out to learn more about the different and flexible ways we can support your team with mental health first aid training.
Together, we can create workplaces that prioritise well-being, where the question “Are you OK?” is the beginning of a conversation that leads to meaningful support and connection.
Claire Harrison is the Founder and Managing Director of Harrisons, a flourishing HR consulting business that sprouted in 2009 from Claire’s passionate belief that inspiring leaders and superstar employees are the key success factor to any business. With over 20 years’ experience, Claire has worked as a HR Director of multi-national organisations, as a Non-Executive Board Director, and a small business owner. Claire’s corporate career includes working with companies such as BHP, Westpac, Fonterra and Mayne Nickless.
