To say that 2020 has been a challenging year is an understatement. 

R U Ok?Day is coming up on September 10 – a national day to remind us to ask friends, colleagues and family members are you okay?

The theme for R U OK?Day 2020 is "There's more to say after R U OK?"

Which is a reminder to keep the conversation going after we ask someone if they're okay.

Here are ten ideas for R U OK?Day events in the workplace:

1. Shout your teams to a cup of coffee and encourage them to have a chat while they drink it.
2. Have a breakfast BBQ or morning tea to encourage conversations.
3. Get team members to submit their best ideas for conversation starters with the winner getting prize. Print the best ideas on posters to display throughout the workplace.
4. Pop a "conversation corner" in the office lunchroom or depot. The R U OK?Day website has a guide on creating the ideal corner.
5. Bring in an expert to lead guided meditation, yoga and relaxation sessions.
6. Have a guest speaker come and chat about dealing with mental health issues.
7. If senior members of the organisation are comfortable have them share a time when they weren't okay and talk about how they were helped by someone starting a conversation.
8. Bring your dog to work day. Dogs can be great conversation starters and pets reduce stress. Check for allergies and that your workplace is safe for dogs.
9. Host an online event for remote employees or those who haven't returned to work yet – it could be a lunch and learn, a yoga session, a guest speaker or just a virtual sundowner.
10. Bond over sport – organise a cricket, volleyball or soccer match. Bowls is a great way for everyone (even those with physical limitations) to get involved. 

How to keep the conversation going after R U OK?Day

It's easy to remember to ask someone if they're okay on R U OK?Day, however this year we're encouraged to keep the conversation going after September 10.

• Keep an eye out for specific things that have made you concerned for them.
• Speak positively about the role therapists can play in getting through tough times.
• It can be as simple as popping a reminder if your phone to give a struggling workmate a call a week or so after they've indicated they aren't okay.
• Say something along the lines of – "I've been thinking about your and wanted to know how you're going".
• Ask if they have found a way to manage their situation.
• If they haven't, don't harasses them about it, just lend an ear, they might just want someone to listen.
  
• Stay in touch and remember genuine care can make a difference.
  

For more information, go to www.ruok.org.au.

Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

If you need to talk to someone call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or access their online crisis support service at www.lifeline.org.au (available nightly).