It Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated. It Just Has to Be Genuine.

As Australians mark R U OK? Day today, Harcourts is encouraging its people to remember that meaningful conversations don’t require perfect words. They simply require someone willing to ask, and someone willing to listen.

For Harcourts, R U OK? Day is an important reminder that some of the most meaningful conversations are often the simplest.

Real estate professionals spend much of their working lives helping people navigate significant moments, buying or selling a home, downsizing, starting again or dealing with loss. It can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be emotionally demanding.

For Harcourts Australia COO Domonic Thompson (pictured, right), looking after people starts with being willing to have genuine conversations.

“We work in an industry where relationships are at the heart of what we do, but that shouldn’t stop with our clients,” Mr Thompson said.

“You don’t need to have all the answers, and you don’t need to fix someone’s problems. Sometimes the most valuable thing you can do is simply listen.”

That thinking reflects one of Harcourts’ core values: People First.

Harcourts supports wellbeing throughout the year, including providing its network with access to the Harcourts RealCare App, which offers confidential wellbeing resources, practical tools and access to professional support.

Head of People & Culture Mitch Green said resources are only part of creating a supportive workplace.

“Resources are important, but culture matters just as much,” Mr Green said.

“Sometimes that’s as simple as noticing someone doesn’t seem themselves and taking a few minutes to ask how they’re going.”

Lessons that go beyond R U OK? Day

Those ideas were at the heart of Harcourts’ R U OK? Day conversation with Bobby Fitzsimmons, a Beyond Blue Ambassador, experienced leader, husband and father of two. (pictured, left)

Bobby shared his personal mental health journey and the people, experiences and support that have helped shape his approach to wellbeing and resilience.

Facilitated by Domonic, the conversation explored purpose, work-life balance and some practical ways to look after yourself and those around you.

Among the key takeaways was the power of saying no, recognising that setting boundaries can be an important part of protecting your wellbeing.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of support from those closest to you. Sometimes the people who know us best can be among our most valuable sources of support when things become difficult.

Another simple message was to build your own mental health toolkit, understanding what helps you stay well and making space for those things before you need them.

And perhaps most importantly, the conversation was a reminder of hope, recovery and resilience. Difficult periods do not have to define a person or their future, particularly when the right support is available.

For Harcourts, that is ultimately what R U OK? Day is about. Not having all the answers, but creating a culture where people feel comfortable asking the question, starting a conversation and being there to listen.

Because sometimes, it doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be genuine.