Why checking in shouldn't wait for R U OK Day

Julie-Anne Whitfield is the Workplace Program Manager at R U OK? She sits down for a chat about building genuine wellbeing and connection into small businesses all year round, not just on R U OK? Day. Julie-Anne explains why supportive workplace cultures matter, especially when business owners are carrying financial pressure, isolation, and responsibility for everyone else. We cover the four-step ALEC framework, recognising early signs of burnout, checking in through texts or phone calls, and supporting someone without trying to fix them. Julie-Anne also shares practical ways for sole traders to create connection. Her central message is simple: “If you’re thinking it, ask it.” Timestamped overview 00:00 Discussing mental health for business owners 04:30 Supporting Chefs with R U OK? 08:19 Addressing workplace mental health challenges 10:49 Discussing "Are You Okay?" question 13:13 Creating a supportive work environment 19:19 Encouraging workplace mental health check-ins 21:09 Small business support and connections 24:42 Recognising signs of burnout 28:16 Creating a supportive workplace culture 31:15 Creating supportive workplace environments 36:13 Sharing resources and episode wrap-up Key Topics Wellbeing Beyond One Day - Julie-Anne Rickford says R U OK? Day should be a springboard for conversations and action throughout the year, not a once-a-year event at - Small businesses face particular pressure from limited time, financial stress, and the absence of formal support structures . - Meaningful wellbeing means creating workplaces where people aren’t left alone with difficult challenges . - Regular check-ins can be as simple as adding “are you okay?” to a weekly meeting agenda or inviting someone for a walk and coffee. How to Ask and Listen - If your gut tells you someone is struggling, ask. Nine out of ten people who are asked “are you okay?” feel a sense of support, even if they aren’t ready to share everything - The ALEC framework means ask, listen, encourage action, and check back in . - The person asking isn’t there to fix someone. The goal is to support them with their next step. - Listening requires resisting fix-it mode and allowing the other person to talk without making the conversation about you . Supporting Solopreneurs - One in two Australians report feeling lonely, with one in six experiencing loneliness severely enough to affect daily life. - Julie-Anne Rickford encourages sole traders to join networks, associations, coworking spaces, and other small-business communities - Connection often needs to be planned, whether that means working from a café, joining a class, or regularly visiting the same local coffee shop - Beyond Blue’s small-business resources can help owners create more structure and connection in their working lives. Recognising Burnout and Building Culture - Pulling away from activities that bring joy, such as exercise, walks, or social outings, can signal that something is wrong. - Julie-Anne Rickford recommends putting restorative activities in the calendar and treating them as priorities, not selfish extras, - Cupcakes and yellow decorations may start a conversation, but support has to continue beyond the event to avoid performative wellbeing - A supportive culture depends on practical, visible, consistent action, not good intentions alone.