Behind the Pass and Beyond the Bar: R U OK? Urges Hospitality Workers to Check In Any Day
R U OK? is calling on the hospitality industry to ask R U OK? Any Day because meaningful conversations can - and do - change lives.
The reminder comes as new research has revealed a confidence gap when it comes to having meaningful R U OK? conversations.
Three in four Australians believe it’s important to regularly ask someone if they’re OK, but a third might hesitate – even when they sense someone might be struggling. This hesitation often stems from concerns they might say the wrong thing, invade someone’s privacy, or not know how to help.
Psychologist, suicidologist, and R U OK? Board Member Ms Annie Fardell Hartley says the data tells a different story, with an overwhelming majority of people surveyed (88%) feeling grateful and supported when someone asked if they were OK.
“These conversations matter and they’re often more welcome than we think,” said Ms Fardell Hartley. “People don’t expect you to have all the answers or the perfect words. They value trust, genuine care, and someone who really listens.”
R U OK? is working with the hospitality sector to find better ways to ensure the industry is equipped to handle the pressures that come with what is an exciting, yet demanding, workplace. As people plan activities to mark R U OK?Day on Thursday 11 September, R U OK? is helping all Australians bridge the confidence gap and Ask R U OK? Any Day because regular, meaningful conversations can - and do - change lives.
“R U OK?Day, our National Day of Action, is a powerful reminder, but it’s what we do regularly that truly makes a difference,” said Katherine Newton, CEO R U OK?. “We want Australians to feel confident to check in with the people they care about – not only on R U OK?Day, but any day.
“Our research shows those who regularly have R U OK? conversations are significantly more likely to report increased feelings of wellbeing,” said Ms Newton who is pleased to note a third of Australians say they’ve been checking in with others more often over the past year — a sign that more people are actively stepping up to support those around them.
These are more than statistics, they reflect real life and for R U OK? Community Ambassador Tyler Pockran, a commercial cookery apprentice, the message is deeply personal.
“The expectation of an apprentice is to do all the dirty work. You work long shifts, day in and day out. You don’t get weekends or Friday nights with your mates,” said Mr Pockran.
“I remember crying from being so tired after my first week. It’s a huge adjustment, and I just felt tired, and a bit useless. Community is what really holds everybody together in the kitchen. Hospitality is a slog, but it’s made a lot easier if you have each other’s backs and you can have a laugh while working too.”
Mr Pockran’s experience underlines how meaningful connection can be the turning point and that we all have the power to make a difference.
R U OK? has dedicated resources to help those in the hospitality community build your confidence and skills including the four steps of an R U OK? conversation, or ALEC, which stands for Ask, Listen, Encourage Action, Check In.
“Having a supportive community puts everyone in a better position to spot the signs someone is struggling and know the best way to check in with them,” added Mr Pockran. “That’s why we need to 'are you ok?’ any day, not just when things look serious, but whenever we notice something’s changed.”
Ms Newton says for those who might be unsure what to say, R U OK? is there to help.
“You don’t need to be an expert to ask someone if they’re OK, and you don’t have to do it alone. It’s natural to feel nervous, but that’s why R U OK? is here,” she said. “Our resources are free, simple, and designed to help you feel more confident to check in with someone you care about. You’ve got this, and we’ve got your back.”
Research has found people who engage with R U OK? are six times more likely to ask someone what’s troubling them, listen with empathy, and encourage them to seek support. They’re also more likely to check in regularly with the people they care about.
Visit ruok.org.au to access free tools, tips and resources to help you ask, listen and support someone who might be struggling.
Because a conversation could change a life, any day of the year.
Lifeline offers free and confidential crisis support, available 24/7. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online at lifeline.org.au.
MensLine Australia offers a free 24/7 telephone and online support for men with emotional health and relationship concerns. Call 1300 78 99 78 or visit mensline.org.au.
13YARN offers a free, 24/7 crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Call 13 92 76 or visit 13yarn.org.au.
1 Verian (2025) R U OK? Impact Tracker. Australia.
2 Ross, A.M., Bassilios, B. (2019) Australian R U OK?Day campaign: improving helping beliefs, intentions and behaviours. Int J Ment Health Syst 13, 61
R U OK?, 18th August 2025
