“Tradies face a range of challenges across their working lives – from job uncertainty to financial pressures, intense physical demands, and workplace culture issues,” Mr Sakr explains. “In an industry where stigma is high, these pressures can build up and impact mental and emotional wellbeing for tradies if they don't feel they can talk to others about their struggles,” says R U OK? Community Ambassador, Andre Sakr (44), a construction project manager in Sydney who lives with anxiety and depression.
Today marks R U OK?Day (Thursday 14 September), R U OK? is calling on tradespeople to let their workmates and loved ones know; ‘I’m here to hear’, every day of the year.
R U OK? has dedicated resources to encourage meaningful conversations across tradie communities.
The free R U OK? Tradies Tools to Talk resources provide practical tools and tips for family, friends, and workmates to spot the signs that someone on their work site may be struggling, to empower them to spark a meaningful R U OK? conversation and to help them find support if needed.
Mr Sakr says he understands first-hand how important it is to have an authentic conversation with someone close to you, who takes the time to take notice and really listen.
“I think being genuine is one of the most important things you can do when you're talking to someone,” he says. “There is a lot of stigma around talking about mental health, especially in the workforce, meaning a lot of people will not really feel comfortable coming forward.
“This is why it is so important to be genuine in your approach with that real desire to help. This allows people to open up more and it does knock down that wall.”
Mr Sakr’s experience reinforces how showing genuine interest and concern when you ask someone, ‘are you OK?’ can encourage a meaningful conversation.
R U OK? CEO, Katherine Newton, adds, “You need to ask this question because you mean it. If you really care and want to hear an honest answer, be genuine with your ask, make space to listen and let the person know you’re sticking around for whatever comes next.”
“We know the positive impact an R U OK? conversation can have when people know and trust each other. This usually means that trust has been built over time, they’re familiar with each other’s routines and behaviours, and they likely know what’s going on in each other’s lives. This trust, along with consideration of the where and when a conversation will take place contributes to making an R U OK? conversation truly meaningful.”
Let the people in your world know you’re here, to really hear, because a conversation could change a life.
All Tradies Tools to Talk resources are free and available at: ruok.org.au.
