R U OK? How to talk to colleagues about burnout and mental health

This R U OK? Day, reach out to a colleague and start the conversation around mental health.

Australian workers are burning out amid the disruption of Covid-19, with new research revealing 53 per cent have suffered at some point in the past 12 months.

The study by human resources company The Adecco Group reveals office workers in Australia are more likely to report burn out than those in any of the 24 other countries surveyed – including Italy (49 per cent), China (41 per cent), USA (38 per cent), UK (37 per cent), Switzerland (34 per cent) and Japan (20 per cent).

The Adecco Group Australia chief executive Preeti Bajaj says burn out is the combined feelings of uncertainty, digital fatigue and the profound sense of disconnect that can come with remote work.

Although it is concerning Australia has topped the list, Bajaj says it may also be a positive indication of our open culture around discussing mental health.

The Adecco Group Australia’s Preeti Bajaj says Australians feel comfortable acknowledging burn out. Picture: Supplied

“We should be proud in Australia we have been working on mental wellbeing and making it OK to talk about this,” she says.

“People feel safe to acknowledge there is burn out.

“(The findings) represent a level of acceptance and ability to communicate back to leadership.”

Despite this, new research from insurance company Allianz reveals 69 per cent of Australian employees have not had a conversation with their employer about their mental health since the start of the pandemic.

Chief general manager for personal injury Julie Mitchell says a growing number of people have accessed benefits for a psychological claim related to their workplace.

“The workplace needs to create a space that facilitates safe and secure conversations to ensure employees feel mentally supported throughout the pandemic and beyond,” she says.

Digital fatigue can contribute to feelings of burn out. Picture: iStock

So how can we talk to colleagues about mental health?

Psychiatrist and 2OP Health director Dr Frank Chow shares his best advice:

DO ASK IF THEY ARE OK

“If you sense a colleague or your employer has been suffering, ask them how they are doing,” he says.

“Starting conversations about mental health is important – now more than ever before – to break the stigma.

“It can start with a simple ‘hello, how’s things going for you?’.

“Being there to listen can make a big difference to someone’s wellbeing and emotional state.”

DO OFFER SUPPORT

Chow says a phone call or message can go a long way.

“Whether it’s a conversation, listening without judgment or directing them to practical information or resources, let your colleague, employers and team members know you are available for them,” he says.

Start the conversation and listen to your colleague without judgment. Picture: iStock

DON’T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS

“Often people may be fighting battles we are unaware of or suffering in silence, which is why we should never assume another person’s difficulties and be mindful of their mental wellbeing in the workplace,” Chow says.

DON’T OVER-ESTIMATE YOURSELF OR OTHERS

Acknowledge you or a colleague may need support.

“Over-estimating your ability to deal with mental health problems may catch up with you in the long run and may lead to greater health problems,” he says.

DON’T IGNORE OR MINIMISE CONCERNS

Chow says mental health issues do not always solve themselves.

“Be aware of your thoughts, feelings and actions, and seek help early on to prevent workplace mental health issues from developing in severity,” he says.

NBN Co’s Kerrie Starbuck co-chairs a workplace group established to promote mindfulness and mental resilience. Picture: Supplied

NBN Co regional development partner lead Kerrie Starbuck says R U OK?Day – today – is an important day on her workplace’s calendar.

“As one of NBN Co’s people leaders, I organise a casual event for my team to recognise the day, and to open the door for people so they feel supported and encouraged to have those conversations in a safe space,” says Starbuck, who co-chairs a grassroots employee community established to promote mindfulness and mental resilience, which has swelled in membership since the Covid-19 outbreak.

“This year, NBN Co has organised a live webinar and external speaker and the message to all employees is to pick up the phone today and reach out to a friend or teammate.”

Ask your colleagues how they are doing this R U OK? Day. Picture: Supplied

BEFORE ASKING A COLLEAGUE “R U OK?”

ASK YOURSELF:

Are you in a good headspace?

Are you willing to genuinely listen?

Can you give as much time as needed?

Are you the best person to have the conversation? If not, is there someone else in their support network that you can encourage to reach out to them?

BE PREPARED

Realise you won’t have all the answers – which is OK, listening is one of the most important things you can do.

Understand that talking about personal struggles can be difficult and they might become emotional, defensive, embarrassed or upset.

Research what appropriate support is available for them.

PICK YOUR MOMENT

Choose somewhere private and informal so they feel safe.

Make sure you both have enough time.

If they can’t talk then and there, suggest another time.

They may be more comfortable if you sit or walk side-by-side rather than face-to-face.

SOURCE: R U OK? Workplace Champions Guide

Originally published as R U OK? How to talk to colleagues about burnout and mental health