R U OK? Day: AVA to host webinar on supporting colleagues after workplace absence

The AVA will host an R U OK? Day webinar  on Wednesday, 18 September at 12:30pm, titled Welcome Back: Creating a culture of care and connection after workplace absence. 

Conveniently scheduled over lunch, AVA’s Executive Officer for Wellbeing Dr Rebecca Faris said the session is designed as a practical "lunch and learn" opportunity. Teams are encouraged to join together to learn how they can support colleagues returning from extended breaks. 

“The reason this topic is important to us is that we know that R U OK? Day has been around for a long time now but we've now moved away from just asking on the one day, and making sure to ask it every day.” 

The webinar will focus on how to make time away from work, and the return to work, feel safe and supportive. Attendees will learn how to appropriately stay connected with absent team members, and how to welcome returning team members with empathy and needs-based communication. 

“Out of the 17 psychosocial hazards, there's a couple that are particularly relevant when we think about people who take extended breaks from work, whether that be for mental or physical health, parental leave, long service leave or a sabbatical. 

“During workplace absence, we can feel really lonely and isolated, and that can really inhibit our sense of belonging, leading to a downwards spiral and disconnection from our work and even identity.” 

Potential psychosocial hazards during workplace absence include: 

• Poor support: Lack of managerial or peer support when employees take time off, along with insufficient tools or information when they return to allow them to succeed in their role.  

• Lack of role clarity: After time away, reporting lines and responsibilities may have shifted, leading to confusion and overlap in duties. Without clear communication, this uncertainty can quickly become a risk factor. 

Dr Faris says that veterinarians, in particular, face unique challenges when stepping away from the profession. 

“Many vets find it difficult to take time out of work, and they can lose their sense of identity, particularly when we confuse what we do with who we are.” 

The webinar will be hosted by Rosie Overfield, a founding director of the AVA’s THRIVE initiative and a long-standing advocate for mental health in the veterinary profession. 

“She comes to us with a vast knowledge of the HR environment as well, so it can help us understand our legal obligations around supporting staff who are away from work,” Dr Faris said. 

This webinar is one of many initiatives delivered through the THRIVE program, which provides resources and training to help veterinary workplaces become safer, more supportive, and more sustainable. 

In 2023 and 2024, AVA piloted the THRIVE Cultivating Safe Teams Awareness Training, a program designed to explore what makes work both safe and great. Following strong results, the program is now being rolled out nationally and connects directly to AVA’s vision of a thriving veterinary profession. 

Veterinary teams are encouraged to register for this free webinar and join the conversation on creating safer, more supportive workplaces.