R U OK? is urging tradies to ask the question any day, with new research revealing a confidence gap when it comes to having meaningful conversations about mental health.

Three in four Australians believe it’s important to regularly ask someone if they’re OK, but a third remain hesitant, even when they can sense that their workmate is struggling. This is because they often feel that they might say the wrong thing, invade someone’s privacy or not know how to help and support.

R U OK? board member, psychologist and suicidologist Annie Fardell Hartley says the data tells a different story. It reveals that 88% of people surveyed feel grateful and supported when someone asks if they are OK.

“These conversations matter because they’re often more welcome than we think. People don’t expect you to have all the answers or the perfect words. They value trust, genuine care and someone who really listens,” Annie says.

Among construction workers, suicide remains a leading cause of death. R U OK? is helping all Australians bridge the confidence gap and Ask R U OK? Any Day.

R U OK? chief executive Katherine Newton says that R U OK? Day (Thursday 11 September) is a reminder that what people do regularly can have a profound impact on others.

“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,” she says.

“Our research shows those who regularly have R U OK? conversations are significantly more likely to report increased feelings of well-being. 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.”

R U OK? Community Ambassador Alistair Schuback and psychological safety training safety culture specialist says that there a more than just simple statistics.

“On site, we’re trained to spot physical hazards, but psychological hazards are also there and they’re easy to miss. I’ve seen how easy it is to miss the signs that someone’s not OK,” he says.

“A quick conversation can be the difference between someone struggling in silence and someone getting the support they need. Ask R U OK? any day, it’s worth it.”

R U OK? has dedicated resources to help tradies build confidence and skills including the four steps of an R U OK? conversation, or ALEC, which stands for Ask, Listen, Encourage Action, Check In.

Katherine 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 says.

“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 that 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.