R U OK? at work (7 Oct 2010) – Invitation to participate

[Paul D]

Did you know that stress and low mood accounts for 33% of lost productivity in Australia and costs employers $A10b per year? Despite increasing workplace counselling, only 9% of people with mood disorders feel comfortable discussing it with their work colleagues...

R U OK? Day started in 2009 to help break down this stigma and build more supportive and engaged communities and work environments. By simply starting a conversation with someone who might be doing it tough, we can all make a difference. It's about preventing small problems becoming larger and helping to reduce Australia's shockingly high suicide rate (over 2,500 per year!) by simply connecting with others and asking ‘R U OK?’

In 2009 1.3 million Australians participated with over 650,000 conversations. Over 300 businesses participated – including News Limited, ABC, Lion Nathan, SA Government and NSW Fire Brigades amongst others.

R U OK? at work 2010 – a subset of R U OK? Day - invites employees to dedicate some time on the 7th October to contact anyone who may be struggling and to ask ‘R U OK?’ Everything required for organisations to participate is free and available on R U OK - Home Page .

You are also welcome to join the LinkedIn group R U OK? Day (7th October 2010) at R U OK? Day (7th October 2010) group | LinkedIn to keep up to date with information and to join discussions.

This is an opportunity for your organisation to participate in a worthy cause that addresses a major social issue. Not only does it demonstrate genuine care for your peoples’ welfare, R U OK? at work also helps to facilitate a collegiate environment and helps reduce absenteeism and presenteeism in your business. Furthermore, your business will stand alongside other prominent organisations in support of R U OK?

For any questions don’t hesitate to contact me at pdimichiel*yahoo.com. Thanks in advance for your support.

Yours sincerely,

Paul Di Michiel
Member of organising committee for R U OK? Day 2010.

[Brookfies]

we promoted this at our organisation