Rail R U OK? Day is a national mental health initiative that aims to put a spotlight on the importance of supporting each other – our colleagues in the rail industry who may be exposed to situations that can have an adverse impact on their wellbeing.
Rail R U OK? Day is a national mental health initiative that aims to put a spotlight on the importance of supporting each other – our colleagues in the rail industry who may be exposed to situations that can have an adverse impact on their wellbeing. But importantly it’s not just about today – Rail R U OK? Day focuses on empowering our leaders with the capacity to provide support for our employees every day.
Depression, anxiety and mental trauma are serious issues that can impact rail staff, especially train drivers and those who may witness or be involved in tragic situations in the workplace. Through no fault of their own, our train drivers and other front-line staff are often confronted with stressful situations that can lead to trauma. Each of us can also experience issues in our daily lives that can culminate in anxiety or depression.
TasRail is dedicated to ensuring that our culture is one where we help and support each other through these times – and just asking R U OK is a great way to start a conversation. Encouraging meaningful conversations has the power to help transform the workplace into a strong and resilient community. Simply looking out for one another and going out of our way to have regular and genuine discussions with our colleagues can really make a difference to someone who may be doing it tough.
We know better than anyone else the pressures our workmates have to face every day and so we’re best placed to ask them ‘are you ok?’ By participating in Rail R U OK? Day our employees are also helping to ensure TasRail is a safe, strong and more supportive workplace.
Another new program being launched nationally by the TrackSAFE Foundation on Rail R U OK? Day is an app called RailRes, which assists rail employees to manage their immediate response to stress. The app, which is free to download, includes interactive tools for exercise and a place where workers can test their response to stress and adjust their physical, cognitive and behavioural reactions.
Play the video to view a message from TasRail’s CEO Damien White.
