We believe strong workplaces are built on more than systems and standards. They are built on people who look out for one another.
Every day, we work alongside people carrying responsibilities, deadlines, family pressures, and challenges we may know nothing about. Sometimes, everything looks fine from the outside.
That is why a simple question can matter: Are you OK?
R U OK? is an Australian suicide prevention charity that encourages people to stay connected and have meaningful conversations with those who may be struggling. Its message is simple but powerful: you do not need to be an expert to reach out. Being willing to ask, listen, and genuinely care can make a difference.
Global Compliance Certification is proud to support R U OK?Day and its important message of connection, conversation and genuine care. As an organisation that works with businesses across Australia to strengthen workplace systems, safety and culture, GCC recognises that looking after people goes beyond policies and procedures. It also means creating workplaces where people feel comfortable checking in, speaking openly and supporting one another.
By supporting R U OK?Day, GCC encourages our team, clients and wider business community to remember that a meaningful conversation can make a real difference. And importantly, it is a conversation we can have any day of the year.
R U OK?Day is one day. The conversation is for every day.
R U OK?Day falls on Thursday, 10 September 2026, but perhaps the most important part of the message is what happens on all the other days.
Ask R U OK? Any Day.
R U OK? reports that 9 in 10 people who have been asked “are you OK?” say they felt grateful, cared about and supported. Yet one in four people may hesitate to ask even when they believe somebody is struggling.
That is an important reminder for every workplace.
Checking in should not be limited to an annual event, a poster in the lunchroom, or a company-wide email once a year. It can become part of how we work together.
It might mean noticing when a usually enthusiastic colleague has become quiet. Checking on someone who seems overwhelmed. Making time for a conversation rather than assuming somebody else will have it.
Sometimes it simply means asking: “You have not seemed yourself lately. How are you going?”
Building workplaces where people feel supported
Policies, procedures and management systems play an important role in creating safe, effective organisations. But workplace culture is lived through everyday interactions between people.
R U OK? Encourages workplaces to create environments where employees feel confident both asking and answering the question. Regular, meaningful conversations can help build trust and normalise talking about what is really going on.
For leaders, managers and colleagues, that means creating space for genuine human connection. It means listening without immediately trying to solve the problem. It means recognising when somebody may need more support. And importantly, it means following up.
A caring workplace is not created by one conversation. It is created through consistent actions that show people they matter.
Related GCC resource: ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management
How to start an R U OK? conversation
- Ask R U OK? Choose an appropriate moment and start the conversation in a relaxed, genuine way. If you have noticed a change, you can mention it and ask how they are going.
- Listen Give the person your attention. Avoid interrupting, rushing or judging their response. Sometimes being heard is what somebody needs most.
- Encourage action Ask what might help and encourage them to consider practical next steps. If they have been struggling for some time or need more support, encourage them to connect with an appropriate health professional.
- Check in Follow up after your conversation. A message, phone call or another conversation can reinforce that your concern was genuine and that they are not alone.
You Do Not Need to Have All The Answers
One reason people sometimes hesitate to ask “Are you OK?” is the fear of what happens if the answer is “No.”
You do not need to fix everything.
R U OK? encourages people to recognise that they cannot solve every problem. What matters is listening, showing genuine care and helping someone connect with appropriate support when needed.
As colleagues and leaders, our role is not to diagnose someone or become their counsellor. It is to help create an environment where people know they can speak up, be heard and seek further support without judgement.
From Compliance to Culture
At GCC, much of our work centres around helping organisations establish systems that support quality, safety, responsibility and continual improvement.
But behind every management system are people. Behind every procedure are people. Behind every audit, workplace, organisation and certification are people.
The strongest systems work best when they are supported by a culture where people feel respected, valued and able to speak openly.
R U OK? Day gives all of us an opportunity to think about that culture. Not simply, “Do we have the right processes?” but also, “Are we looking out for the people around us?”
Explore GCC: Management System Certification | GCC Training
Ask today. And Keep Asking.
You do not have to wait until R U OK? Day.
If someone is on your mind, trust your instincts. Start a conversation. Listen. Encourage action when it is needed. And remember to check in again.
Because sometimes the most meaningful thing we can give another person is not an answer. It is our attention.
Ask R U OK? Any Day.
Learn more: R U OK? | R U OK? workplace resources
Need immediate support?
R U OK? is not a crisis support or counselling service. If you or someone you know needs immediate support, R U OK? recommends services including Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 and Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. If someone’s life is in danger, call 000.
Build a stronger workplace with GCC
Strong organisations combine effective systems with a culture that values safety, trust and continual improvement. If you would like to discuss certification, auditing, training or how GCC can support your organisation, our team is ready to help.
Contact GCC | Explore GCC Certification Services
Global Compliance Certification (GCC)
1800 444 800
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