Got any spare undies? A new R U OK at Work campaign is asking inappropriate workplace questions in an attempt to get colleagues to check in on each other’s wellbeing.
Full release:
“Asking the un-askable is the tactic being used to get more workmates asking ‘are you ok?’ as part of a new work campaign by R U OK?
Research by the suicide prevention organisation shows that 56 per cent of Australians are either unsure or doubtful of their ability to enquire after a friend’s wellbeing if they appear troubled or stressed (2013 R U OK? National Survey).
To help people find the courage to really talk to one another, the R U OK? at Work campaign is reminding people that while there are some questions you shouldn’t ask at work – ‘are you ok?’ isn’t one of them.
‘Conversations can be hard and it takes strength and courage to ask the question and really listen to what someone has to say,’ R U OK? Campaign Director Rebecca Lewis says. ‘We’re using humour to capture people’s attention and remind them that they have the power to make a real difference by asking that simple question.’
Thanks to support from SuperFriend and creative by OgilvyOne, the R U OK? at Work campaign includes posters, email images and copy, intranet banners and social media assets.
OgilvyOne’s Josh Parmenter says the creative is intended to help workmates get past the awkwardness of talking about emotions on the job.
‘We have an opportunity to make a positive impact on our friends at work, and it’s something that is too important to pass up,’ Josh says. ‘R U OK? wanted to work with businesses from the top down, to really encourage meaningful conversations in the workplace and help people ask the right questions.’
OgilvyOne’s staff also starred in the campaign, helping to keep down costs and make sure R U OK?’s ad spend went far.
‘Finding the people willing to help such a cause wasn’t a difficult task,’ says OgilvyOne’s Managing Partner Sally Kissane. ‘As we were on a limited budget, we supported the campaign in a different way by getting the topline talent from our staff, and using our offices and kitchens as the set.’
The R U OK? at Work campaign will be available to download from 29 May 2014.
Visit ruokday.com/work
