More than 120,000 rail employees and 135 organisations will this week mark Rail R U OK?, a movement dedicated to fostering a supportive workplace culture across Australia and New Zealand.
Now in its 11th year, Rail R U OK? equips workers with the skills to recognise someone might be struggling, ask R U OK? Any Day and lend support to colleagues every day of the year.
"As an industry, we've come a long way in reducing the stigma of talking about our mental health. For many organisations in rail, R U OK? is an important part of creating supportive work environments and encouraging colleagues to check in with one another.
While 3 April 2025 marks our day of action, we want to remind everyone that an R U OK? conversation can happen any day," said Heather Neil, Executive Director of TrackSAFE.
More than half of Australians experience a stressful time at least once a year, and nearly two in five report high or very high levels of distress.
We see an increase in supporting behaviours around R U OK?Day," said Katherine Newton, CEO R U OK? "However, we don't want people checking in at just one point in the year - because life's ups and downs happen every day.
"By asking regularly, we build trust and create a workplace where people feel seen, heard, and supported," Ms Newton added.
"A heartfelt thank you to those leading the way across the rail industry-your efforts are driving real change, helping to shift mindsets, and
embedding a culture where checking in with colleagues is second nature."
R U OK? research shows that 90% of people who are regularly asked R U OK? feel more supported, connected and cared about.
"It doesn't matter who you are, what you do, where you work, I think we all have a role in making sure people feel they can come to work as their whole selves, and ensuring we support each other every day," said Rebecca Munn, Queensland Rail Group Executive People Safety and Sustainability and TrackSAFE board Director.
"R U OK? has given permission to lots of people across many organisations to start the conversation," she said. "I think it's up to the organisations to help people understand how to keep those conversations going."
Queensland Rail has plans to partially cover two of its trains in R U OK? Day branding to coincide with Rail R U OK Day on 3 April, to ensure this important message is seen by a wide audience.
Queensland Rail is one of more than 135 organisations supporting Rail R U OK?, and encouraging their workforce to have meaningful conversations any day of the year.
Visit tracksafe.org.au for FREE resources to help you have an R U OK? conversation and plan your Rail R U OK? activities.
If you or someone you know needs some extra support, you can find contact information for national support and services at ruok.org.au/findhelp.
For support at any time of day or night, Lifeline Australia provides free and confidential crisis support. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online at: lifeline.org.au.
13YARN is a free 24/7 service offering crisis support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people. Call 13YARN (13 92 76).
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