There’s no denying that employees are the lifeblood of any company. They’re the ones who carry out the day-to-day tasks and contribute to the overall success of the business. In order for them to do their jobs effectively, companies need to provide regular check-ins.
Check-ins give employees the opportunity to share how they’re feeling about their work, any challenges they’re facing, and what they need from their employer to be successful. They also give managers the chance to provide feedback, address any concerns, and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
New hires, in particular, need clear expectations and consistent feedback to help them acclimate to their new role. However, too often companies treat check-ins as a one-time event. Cezanne’s onboarding survey found that only 50% of new hires receive regular check-ins from their manager during their few months.
Why Do Check-ins Matter?
1. Build trust and improve communication
Check-ins give employees the chance to share their thoughts and feelings openly without fear of judgement. This builds trust between employees and their managers. Regular check-ins help to improve communication overall. If there’s an issue that needs to be addressed, it can be brought up and dealt with before it becomes a bigger problem.
2. Help to identify training and development needs
If an employee is struggling with a certain task or doesn’t feel confident in their abilities, continuous check-ins provide the opportunity to identify these training and development needs. By addressing these issues early on, managers can prevent them from becoming larger problems down the road.
3. Keep employees engaged and motivated
Employees who feel like they’re a valuable part of the company are more likely to be engaged and motivated in their work. Check-ins give employees the chance to share their ideas, ask questions, and receive recognition for their contributions. This helps to create a positive work environment where employees feel appreciated and supported.
4. Fosters a sense of belonging
When employees feel like they’re part of a team and that their opinions are valued, it fosters a sense of belonging. This is especially important for remote employees who might not have as much interaction with their coworkers. Continuous check-ins help to create a strong team dynamic and ensure that everyone feels connected to the company.
5. Encourages employees to stay with the company
Happy employees are less likely to leave their job. In fact, a study by Glassdoor found that more than half of employees would stay with their current company if they felt like their boss cared about them. Continuous check-ins show employees that their company is invested in their success and that they are valued members of the team.
How Often Should You Check-In?
The frequency of check-ins will depend on the company, the employees, and the specific needs of the business. However, it’s recommended that companies provide at least monthly check-ins for all employees.
New hires may need more frequent check-ins during their first few months on the job to help them adjust to their new role. And employees who are struggling with a specific task or issue may benefit from more frequent check-ins until the issue is resolved.
The important thing is to be consistent with your check-ins. Employees should know when to expect a check-in and what will be discussed. This will help to ensure that the check-in is productive and that employees are getting the most out of it.
How to Make the Most of Check-Ins
- Schedule regular check-ins: Set aside time each week or month for check-ins. This will ensure that they become a regular part of a company’s routine. Prepare a safe and comfortable space for these meetings to take place.
- Set an agenda: Use check-ins as a time to discuss both the successes and challenges that employees are facing. This will help to identify any areas that need improvement. Or, you can allow employees to set the agenda for the meeting. This will give them a chance to bring up any issues that they’re struggling with.
- Encourage open communication: Check-ins are not the time for managers to lecture employees. Instead, they should be used as an opportunity for two-way communication. Encourage employees to share their thoughts and feelings openly. This will help to build trust and improve communication overall.
- Be prepared to listen: This means being open to hearing both positive and negative feedback from employees and offering support and resources to employees who are struggling, as well as giving credit to employees who have done a great job.
- Follow up after the meeting: Send a recap email after each check-in. This will help to ensure that employees are following through on their commitments. It will also give a chance to provide additional resources or support if needed.
Conclusion
Check-ins provide an opportunity for managers to give feedback, identify training needs, and keep employees engaged and motivated. By making continuous check-ins a part of company culture, managers can create a positive work environment and encourage employees to stay with the company.
