11 September was R U OK? Day 2025 — a national reminder that a simple conversation can make a big difference. With growing pressures across healthcare, aged care, disability services, and workplaces everywhere, checking in with colleagues and friends has never been more important.
If you’re worried about someone at work, you don’t need to be an expert. You just need to show that you care, listen, and encourage support-seeking when needed. One of the simplest tools is the ALEC method.
The ALEC method in a nutshell
A = Ask
Start the conversation in a genuine, caring way. You could ask:
- “How are you going?”
- “What’s been on your mind lately?”
- “How are you travelling with everything at work?”
If you’ve noticed changes, mention them:
- “I’ve seen you’ve been staying back late a lot — how are you going with that?”
- “You don’t seem yourself lately — is everything OK?”
L = Listen
Give them your full attention.
- Don’t interrupt or rush.
- Sit with silences if they need time to think.
- Let them express themselves, even if they’re upset.
Remember: staying calm and present helps them feel safe to share.
E = Encourage action
Ask questions like:
- “What do you think might help right now?”
- “What’s one step we could take together?”
- “Is there something I can do to support you?”
Encourage healthy actions: reaching out to family, friends, a GP, a counsellor, or their Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
C = Check-in
Follow up in the days or weeks after your first chat.
- Ask: “How have you been going since we last spoke?”
- Encourage them to keep seeking support.
- If they’re hesitant, gently remind them that professional help can make a real difference.
You might say: “Would it help if we looked into some extra support options together?”
Why this matters in 2025
Workplaces are changing fast. Hybrid work, staffing shortages, and cost-of-living pressures are adding new stresses for many Australians. Checking in with someone is a powerful way to strengthen connection, support wellbeing, and build healthier workplaces.
Crisis support services
If someone you’re supporting is in immediate distress, encourage them to reach out to a crisis service:
- Lifeline (24/7) | 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au
- Beyond Blue (24/7) | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au
- Suicide Call Back Service (24/7) | 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au
- SANE Australia | 1800 18 SANE (7263) | sane.org
- 13 YARN | 13 92 76 | Crisis support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples
✅ To learn more, download the latest “How to Ask R U OK? at Work: A practical guide for the workplace” at ruok.org.au/work.