At That Marketing Girl, we’re all about making connections – whether it’s creating scroll-stopping social media content or building relationships with our incredible clients. But today, on R U OK? Day, we want to chat about a different kind of connection. No need for Wi-Fi, fancy campaigns, or even a hashtag. It’s about real, human connection – asking a simple question and truly listening to the answer.

Why R U OK? Day Matters (Even More Now)

Working from home has its perks – comfy clothes, flexible hours, and the option to have your pet join the Zoom meeting. But let’s be honest, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The isolation, the never-ending blur of work and home life, and the pressure to always be “on” can make it tough on our mental health.

R U OK? Day is a gentle reminder that it’s okay not to be okay – and that you don’t have to face it alone. It’s a day to check in with each other, offer a listening ear, and create a space where it’s safe to talk about what’s really going on. Because behind every video call, email, and Instagram post, there’s a real person who might just need to hear, “Are you okay?”

How to Check In When You’re Working from Home

So, how do we, as a team of marketing marvels who mostly communicate through screens, make sure we’re looking after each other’s mental health? Here are a few fun and easy ways to check in, even when we’re miles apart:

1. Start with a Real Question: It’s tempting to stick to the usual “How’s work?” or “Did you catch that email?” But on R U OK? Day, let’s dig a bit deeper. Try asking, “How are you really feeling?” or “Is anything on your mind?” – and then listen without interrupting.

2. Create a Safe Space: Not everyone will want to spill their guts straight away, and that’s perfectly fine. Let your colleagues know that your virtual door is always open. Whether it’s a cheeky chat over coffee (real or virtual) or a quick message to say you’re thinking of them, showing you care can make all the difference.

3. Check In Regularly: Mental health isn’t just a one-day wonder. Make it a habit to check in with your team regularly. It doesn’t have to be anything serious – a quick message or a light-hearted team chat can help everyone feel connected.

4. Be Honest: Sharing your own ups and downs can encourage others to open up too. If you’re comfortable, talk about the challenges you’ve faced, especially in the sometimes-lonely world of working from home. It can help break down barriers and create a more supportive team vibe.

5. Spot the Signs: Sometimes, it’s not what someone says, but what they don’t say. If a normally chatty colleague has gone a bit quiet, or if someone seems more stressed than usual, reach out. Trust your gut and offer a bit of support if you think something might be up.

Let’s Make Every Day R U OK? Day

At That Marketing Girl, we believe mental health is just as important as any marketing metric. So today, let’s take a break from the hustle, reach out to each other, and make sure no one’s feeling left out. And remember, this isn’t just a one-day thing – let’s keep checking in, supporting, and being there for each other, every single day.

Because when we lift each other up, we all rise together 💛