How to eTrain thousands of employees to be better at asking R U OK? in 20 minutes

In eLearning pilots we recently completed with the University of Sydney and Ernst & Young, and 53 other people from 21 organisations:

• 94% said they were more confident they could help a mentally distressed colleague, and;
• 96% rated it 7/10 or above– in how likely they would recommend it to a colleague or friend (Net Promoter Score)

We have also just been awarded 3 top LearnX awards for this training program and made the final stages of the 2019 Worksafe Victoria Innovation award.

As part of these pilots, we have already donated thousands of dollars to R U OK?

We are now able to help any organisation who wants to invite thousands of their employees, to be more confident to ask R U OK? – and support a colleague in distress.

Background

When we first started R U OK? in 2009, research revealed that there were two main reasons that people felt uncomfortable asking R U OK? at work:

• They didn’t know how to start the conversation, and;
• They feared the person may say “No, I’m not OK” – and not know what to do.

Because of this, R U OK? created the 4-step conversation guide, ALEC:

1. Ask R U OK?
2. Listen without judgement
3. Encourage action
4. Check-in

We have made great progress in the last 10 years, but many people have indicated that they would like to have greater skills and knowledge regarding the four steps – and feel more confident supporting someone in distress after the conversation. They would also like to feel prepared to have the R U OK? conversation 365 days a year.

This led to the creation of FactorC.

FactorC – a social enterprise that proudly supports R U OK?

As some of you may recall, 18 months ago, Brenden Carter and I, Co-Founded a social enterprise called FactorC, which is dedicated to using digital solutions to help create more caring and mentally healthy teams.

FactorC has developed the WeCARE training campaign (in consultation with industry),  – to help employees, employers, and R U OK?

FactorC is not part of the R U OK? organisation.

What is WeCARE?

WeCARE is a 20-minute eLearning course – which is accompanied by a poster, booklet, and wallet card (see image above).

It is designed to:

1. Help people to identify the signs of distress
2. Have the confidence to ask R U OK? with empathy – and
3. Guide people to the help they need.

How is the WeCARE course viewed?

WeCARE has been designed to plug into your existing Learning Management Systems (LMS) and is easily viewed on a phone, tablet, and laptop. If you don’t have an LMS, you can use ours.

This is the 1:42 minute video introduction to the WeCARE course:

The R U OK? 4 step conversation guide is incorporated within WeCARE – but it also includes other strategies that help recovery, including:

• Guidance on how to find a mental health savvy GP, prepare for a mental health discussion, and to see a psychologist.
• Encouraging the manager and teammates to stay in contact with the distressed employee
• Encourage regular exercise as a critical strategy.

Proudly supporting R U OK?

FactorC is a social enterprise committed to building more caring workplace cultures. R U OK? will benefit from every WeCARE sale of an annual licence. The investment includes:

• $19,950 annual licence for unlimited employees (covering Australia and New Zealand)
• From this licence fee FactorC will donate 5% directly to R U OK?
• Customization of the course (if required) is additional and confirmed once quote is agreed – but circa $1,000-$5,000

Like to know more?

Like to know if this could be helpful for your organisation? Like to evaluate WeCARE?

Email Jenny Thomson at support@factorc.com.au or Brenden Carter, FactorC’s Co-Founder at bcarter@factorc.com.au to set up an appointment.

GRAEME COWAN IS AUSTRALASIA’S #1 LEADERSHIP & TEAM RESILIENCE AUTHORITY. He is an author and speaker who helps leaders and teams be more caring, resilient, and growth-oriented. Download his speaking brochure here. If you have questions about his availability or suitability for presenting at your conference or organisation please email support@graemecowan.com.au or call +61 2 8005 0344