As soon as this date pops up on the calendar, these legal outfits eagerly leap into action, inundating social media with their nauseating LinkedIn posts, hosting insipid corporate meetings, and gorging on those undeniably delicious yellow and black cupcakes.

But enough of the sweet talk – this so-called initiative is nothing more than an empty, insincere show that does jack squat to address the festering cesspool of issues rotting within these organisations. I’m talking about mental health, bullying, and harassment – the dirty little secrets these firms sweep under the rug while pretending to give a damn for just one lousy day a year.

The problem

The cold, hard truth is that some legal workplaces are nothing but breeding grounds for toxicity. Behind their opulent offices, slick websites, smug smiles, and impeccably dressed staff, mental health issues, bullying, and harassment fester like an unchecked virus.

R U OK? Day, celebrated by these firms once a year with ostentatious posters and feel-good slogans, is their pathetic attempt to gloss over these deeply ingrained issues. It’s like slapping a Band-Aid on a gaping wound and expecting it to magically heal.

Asking someone if they are OK at work, even with the best of intentions, often falls flat in these places. Bullies often hold all the cards, so speaking out against bullying, harassment, and those who couldn’t care less about mental health can be career suicide. Legal professionals keep their mouths shut about mistreatment, afraid of the wrath of vindictive colleagues or the professional guillotine. I have been there. I know how bad it can be.

In these toxic wastelands, R U OK? Day is not a real invitation to open up; it’s a superficial checkbox organisations tick to shirk responsibility. It conveniently turns a blind eye to the fact that these institutions sometimes actively enable and perpetuate toxic cultures that breed bullies.

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Efforts like R U OK? Day, while theoretically commendable, offer no secure, anonymous platforms for victims of workplace bullying and harassment to speak up without putting their livelihoods on the line. And even if someone dares to talk about their struggles, these legal workplaces often lack the necessary support structures to effectively deal with these issues. Mental health resources? They are few and far between. Victims often are left to grapple with their workplace trauma alone, abandoned by these firms that claim to care.

The irony

To me, one of the most perplexing aspects of “R U OK?” Day is that it is endorsed by the very firms that have a well-documented history of ignoring bullying and harassment within their own ranks. These firms – where bullies reign supreme because they bring in the dough and where toxic work environments flourish – have the gall to pose as mental health champions for a measly 24 hours each year. It’s nothing but a phony PR stunt, a cleverly orchestrated smokescreen to divert attention from the toxic cultures they perpetuate the other 364 days. (By the way, if you want to know if your firm has a track record for looking the other way when it comes to bullying and harassment, just take a peek at Glassdoor. You might be floored by what you find.)

What’s even more ludicrous is the idea of dedicating a single day to mental health and wellbeing in an industry that expects unwavering dedication and sacrifices from its practitioners. The legal profession’s culture of overwork, high-pressure cases, and an unrelenting focus on billable hours is a perfect recipe for mental health issues. Lawyers are constantly pressured to prioritise their careers above everything else, often at the expense of their own wellbeing. In this unforgiving environment, having just one “R U OK?” Day is a sick joke, as if a fleeting moment of concern can undo the extensive damage caused by the toxic behaviour endemic in these firms every working day of the year.

What we need

All legal workplaces need to stop the lip service and start backing up their words with action when it comes to mental health and wellbeing.

They must put an end to the empty rhetoric on bullying and harassment and hold everyone accountable, no matter who they are.

They must make mental health support available all year round, no strings attached.

They must promote work/life balance, with realistic workloads, regular breaks, and an understanding that people cannot be at their beck and call 24/7.

They must encourage legal professionals to speak only about their mental health and wellbeing without the fear of reprisal, and leaders should set an example.

They must make comprehensive education about mental health, diversity, and inclusion mandatory for every member of the organisation.

R U OK? Day is a one-day sideshow. Legal workplaces must genuinely champion their team’s mental health and wellbeing every day or face the consequences for their negligence. The clock is ticking. Firms don’t want to lose lives on their watch.

Stefanie Costi is a lawyer who empowers victims of workplace bullying to take decisive action and educates organisations about its impact and preventive measures. Through her advocacy, Stefanie strives to create healthier and more respectful work environments where everyone can thrive without fear. You can find her here.