The yellow badges, the gentle reminders, the quiet moment over coffee — R U OK? Day has become an important fixture in the calendar, and for good reason. This year, it falls on 11 September — a chance to pause and check in on each other, especially in the workplace where pressures often go unnoticed.
But while the question is powerful, it’s only the beginning. A single conversation can’t carry the weight of ongoing stress, emotional labour, or burnout. And a one-off check-in, no matter how well intentioned, can sometimes feel more like a box ticked than real support.
So, what happens after someone says, “I’m not doing great”? Or when they don’t say it, but the signs are still there?
Supporting your team means thinking beyond the day — and creating an environment where care, rest, and genuine connection are part of the culture. This R U OK? Day, consider it not just a reminder to ask the question — but a chance to start doing more for your people.
Emotional labour is everywhere — and it’s exhausting
In modern workplaces, emotional labour isn’t just reserved for therapists or customer service reps. It’s in that cheery “No worries!” email sent at 11:58 PM. It’s in the polite smile during a team call when you’re mentally unraveling. It’s in the pressure to always show up, stay productive, and keep calm — even when everything feels like a spreadsheet fire drill.
And the thing is, emotional labour often flies under the radar. It’s not listed in your job description, and there’s no KPI for emotional resilience. But it stacks up, especially for people in people-facing roles — managers, educators, HR teams, customer success staff, the list goes on. Ignoring that invisible workload is like pretending that Slack notifications don’t ping after 5 PM — it’s just not real life.
Burnout isn’t a badge of honour
We’ve somehow normalised burnout like it’s a rite of passage. Hustle culture glorifies being so busy, as if skipping lunch and answering emails while on the toilet is peak professionalism. But chronic stress is not a flex — it’s a flashing warning light.
Burnout isn’t just being tired; it’s being utterly depleted. It shows up as brain fog, low motivation, irritability, disengagement, or even physical symptoms like headaches and insomnia. And once it sets in, no amount of motivational quotes or Friday drinks will fix it.
To prevent burnout, organisations need to be proactive. That means building systems that support rest, recovery, and real connection, not just waiting for people to wave a red flag when it’s already too late.
The post-check-in gap: when “Are you okay?” isn’t enough
Even when people do open up, most workplaces don’t have a plan for what happens next. A kind nod and a vague “Let me know if you need anything” might feel supportive in the moment, but it doesn’t really address the problem.
What’s missing is a structured, ongoing response, something that turns awareness into action. Supporting employee mental health can’t rely on ad-hoc reactions or one-time gestures. It needs to be baked into company culture, reinforced regularly, and treated with the same importance as any other strategic business decision.
So, what actually helps? Here’s what works:
If you’re looking to create a workplace culture where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to take care of themselves, start with tangible action. Think wellness experiences that make a real difference, woven into the rhythm of the workweek. Enter: onsite wellness — the not-so-secret weapon for modern workplaces.
From regular in-office chair massages that melt away midday stress, to nail bars that turn a Tuesday into a treat, and mindfulness sessions that give busy brains a reset — Blys makes it easy to bring wellness directly to your team, wherever they are. It’s practical, professional, and actually enjoyable. Not to mention, way more impactful than a stale muffin and a lukewarm “You good?”
Onsite chair massages: the not-so-guilty pleasure your team actually needs
Let’s talk about the ultimate stress-buster: the in-office chair massage. Unlike your typical full-body massage, this one’s designed for the desk warriors — the folks hunched over laptops, juggling meetings, and forgetting what natural posture even feels like.
A 15 to 20-minute session can do wonders. We’re talking muscle relief, improved blood circulation, mental clarity, and that glorious “I-can-finally-move-my-neck-again” moment. Plus, it’s discreet, doesn’t require any oil or outfit change, and slots perfectly between meetings. Whether it’s part of your wellness week or a regular Friday fixture, chair massages show your team that you’re serious about their wellbeing — not just their output.
With Blys, booking is effortless. We bring everything to you — professional therapists, ergonomic chairs, and a stress-free experience from start to finish.
Mindfulness sessions: a brain break that actually works
You know that feeling when your mind is 17 tabs open and none of them are responding? Mindfulness sessions are the mental Ctrl+Alt+Del you didn’t know you needed.
Guided meditation, breathing exercises, or gentle movement can help reduce anxiety, improve focus, and boost emotional regulation. Whether done in person or virtually, these sessions give your team a rare and much-needed moment to slow down, breathe, and re-centre — without having to leave the office.
Blys partners with mindfulness practitioners who know how to meet people where they’re at — whether it’s a group session to kickstart a meeting, or a midday retreat to shake off the overwhelm.
Nail bars and little luxuries: yes, they count too
Who says wellness can’t be fabulous? Mobile nail bars are more than just a fun perk — they’re moments of calm, confidence, and self-care. For many, it’s a quiet pause in an otherwise chaotic day, and a powerful reminder that they’re allowed to feel good without guilt.
Booking a Blys nail bar for your team isn’t just about pretty nails (though, let’s be real, that’s a major bonus). It’s about offering choice, comfort, and a clear message that your people are worth investing in — from head to toe.
Send a gift card — the easiest “I’ve got your back” ever
Not all acts of care need to happen in the office. Sometimes, the best way to show support is to let your team unwind on their own terms. Enter: the Blys Gift Card.
Whether they use it for a deep tissue massage, a pampering facial, or a soothing mani-pedi, a Blys Gift Card lets your people choose the wellness experience that suits them best. It’s personal, thoughtful, and miles better than yet another coffee voucher.
Sending a gift card is also an easy and impactful way to acknowledge personal milestones, say thanks, or simply show someone you’re thinking of them. Low effort, high impact — that’s the Blys way.
Build a wellbeing culture — not just a wellbeing campaign
Employee wellbeing shouldn’t be a box-ticking exercise. It should be embedded in how your workplace operates — every day. That means regular wellness check-ins, space for honest conversations, and access to services that support rest, recovery, and self-care.
Blys helps workplaces build a culture of care, not just a campaign of good intentions. Whether it’s through on-site wellness sessions, flexible bookings, or sending digital gift cards straight to your team’s inbox, we make it easy to turn your values into real action.
