R U OK

Jack Bowen discusses R U OK day

On the 11^th of September, our HR department reminded us that it was ‘R U OK?’ day. Sarah and Vesna were supported by all our locations in promoting a spirit of support and awareness that help, if needed, is readily available through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Coincidentally, on Thursday the 11^th, I happened to be with John Bowen at our Brunswick Branch preparing for a new employee induction session. As I strolled around our site, coffee cup in hand, “I felt very OK!”  ‘R U OK’ yellow and black balloons were being put up around the hardware sales area, and everything, including smiles on faces, looked OK.

But the day is important in reminding us all that often things are not OK. The ‘R U OK’ program helps people from all walks of life be relieved of any stigma they might have had about admitting – “no, things are not OK.

“The ‘R U OK’ program helps people from all walks of life be relieved of any stigma they might have had about admitting – “no, things are not OK.”

As we do at all our staff induction sessions, John and I emphasised our wish to continue to create a safe and happy workplace for all our people, and to encourage anyone and everyone to speak up if they are feeling let down by the Company. The ‘R U OK’ program adds that other level of personal help with everyday life issues. As the employer, we cannot and won’t delve into the personal goings on of our people, but we support the ‘R U OK’ campaign: 

“A national day of action in Australia to encourage Australians to start conversations and support those struggling with life’s challenges – a day to remind people that every day is the right day to check in with others and ask, ‘Are you OK?”

I would like to think that our staff use the opportunity to seek help from each other. Bonding within any workplace is a healthy outcome, particularly if the right support is forthcoming.

Outside work, of course, one would hope that support is forthcoming from within family and friends. If ever I have sought help for a personal matter, I know I have a strong family network and a great group of long-term friends I can call on – my family, from my parents through to my brother, sisters and children. My parents died many years ago, but the values they passed on to me continue to bring strength and positivity to my outlook on life.

The question of values is an interesting one. A great mentor of mine has written a book that teaches values and freedom. He talks about ‘valuing yourself’ and that values are learnt not (necessarily) inherited. He goes on to say that if one has not established a sound sense of self-worth as a filter, it is extremely difficult to acquire strong values that determine one’s life. 

At the same time, if self-worth and saying ‘I’m OK’ comes from a cult of individualism which celebrates the freedom to select personal values and priorities without reference to any framework of common purpose and beliefs, then there is a problem. Maybe a stupid example, but if I believe it’s OK to steal from my neighbour because I think they can afford the ‘loss,’ then my overall values would need to be questioned. Another value that obviously doesn’t stand up is the blaming of others instead of accepting personal responsibility. It might make us feel ‘OK’, but OK for the wrong reasons, the wrong values. ‘R U OK’ days will work well if we are honest in the endeavour and use common sense and values that have stood the test of time.

Back to what Bowens and our workplace can do to contribute to anyone who is personally struggling. One thing we do provide are locations that house groups of 30 to 50 people – men, women of all ages, creating a ‘team’ which everyone is part of. In the first place, our branches can only succeed if we have a real commitment to servicing our customer base – everyone needs to contribute to make us a preferred supplier and to make Bowens successful.

In that environment, anyone who otherwise feels left out and lonely can throw themselves into the fray and gather both trust in themselves and trust in their fellow employees. A healthy self-image doesn’t come easily to a lot of people, but through some group participation, things can change dramatically.

I wrote in a previous Bulletin that part of Bowens continuing success includes the opportunity to instil pride. We all know how good it feels when we do a good job, do a good deed …but also to be recognised for doing so. Recognition isn’t always sought (nor is it always given), but a little sense of achievement goes a long way to making our lives better. We, as a Company of good people, will continue to ask each other ‘R U OK’, but more than that, the stimulation of everyday activity and the involvement thereof will provide a practical response and meaning.

Find information about R U OK day and how to get involved on the R U OK? website – you could start a conversation that changes a life.