Smoko Check-In

Smoko Check-In

Exceptional· 100%Manageable· 059m
Designed by Bearmore
·Inspired by MATES in Construction

When you notice a mate doesn't seem quite themselves today.

Walk away from a smoko feeling like you did something that mattered. A composed break-time sequence, inspired by MATES in Construction, setup around noticing a struggling team member, checking in properly, and ending on one clear next step.

The runsheet

  1. Smoko

    15 min
    Break

    Smoko is the time when everyone collects. Step away from the work, grab a drink or something to eat, and give yourself fifteen minutes of unstructured time with the crew before the check-in begins in earnest.

  2. Bearmore’s thoughts on doing break before self-guided inquiry

    This can be a good pairing because a break can quiet mental chatter and make self-reflection feel more natural.

    2
    Scan the crew

    Scan the crew

    Self-guided inquiry

    MATES frames awareness as the first step: people don't always ask for help and often put on a brave face, but the signs are there if you know what to look for. Use this window to observe, not to diagnose. This isn’t quite the way self-guided inquiry works but it can extend to this idea with some flexible thinking.

    10 min activitySetup 3 min · Reset 3 min · 16 min all-in

  3. Bearmore’s thoughts on doing self-guided inquiry before acts of kindness

    This can help because any self-understanding can make acts of kindness feel more genuine and intentional.

    3
    Ask and listen

    Ask and listen

    Acts of kindness

    MATES calls this 'ten seconds of courage': step into their space, ask if they're OK, and actually listen. Their guidance is to help the person find their own way forward, not offer solutions, because that gives them ownership of what happens next.

    15 min activitySetup 3 min · Reset 3 min · 21 min all-in

  4. Bearmore’s thoughts on doing acts of kindness before intention setting

    This pairing is especially effective because setting intentions after helping can clarify how you want to keep showing up for others.

    4
    Intention first, action second

    Intention first, action second

    Intention setting

    Before the break ends, settle on your intention first and then one concrete action: check in again tomorrow, mention the MATES Helpline (1300 642 111), or let a site Connector know. MATES frames support as a series of conversations, not a single fix.

    5 min activitySetup 1 min · Reset 1 min · 7 min all-in

  5. Time well spent.

    59m that belonged to you — not the inbox, not anyone else.

The breakdown

Burst evaluation

QualityExceptional· 100%
Sequencing100%
Logistics100%
DifficultyManageable· 0
Total activity44m / 60mGentle
Physical0m / 29mGentle
Mental stillness15m / 29mGentle
Introspective30m / 149mManageable
Creative15m / 59mGentle
8 conditions evaluatedHow we assess →

Wellbeing focus

The relative wellbeing focus of this Burst.

HighEmotional
MedPhysical
HighSelf
MedSocial
MedIntellectual

About this Burst

MATES in Construction is an Australian not-for-profit established in 2008 to reduce suicide in the building industry. It delivers on-site General Awareness Training, volunteer Connector training, and ASIST suicide first-aid certification, all backed by Field Officers and Case Managers. Endorsed by the World Health Organisation as a global best-practice example in 2021. MATES Helpline: 1300 642 111 (24/7). Website: construction.mates.org.au

Steady the stressBrandsHigh-pressure workOn the toolsWith a groupAnytimeQuick (under an hour)Under 2 hours

Common questions

Smoko Check-In59m · free in the app