How to Create a Check In Culture
Check ins are quick, powerful tools to improve the performance of a team or a company. When check ins are a regular, valued part of the way a group operates, they’ve achieved a check in culture.
We’re taking a look at how you can build and maintain a culture of checking in in your workplace.
What is an Employee Check In?
An employee check in is a quick catch up. Check ins are also known as pulse checks, one-on-ones, sit downs and a variety of other terms.
Checking in is about support and collaboration. Check ins should remove barriers and reveal better ways of working.
Check ins are highly beneficial for companies and teams. They’re a great opportunity to:
- Align on goals and expectations
- Create undivided time between managers and staff
- Engage and motivate staff
- Reduce pressure on annual evaluations
- Get feedback for managers
You can also tailor your check ins to focus on areas such as mental health or mindfulness.
A Check In Culture
Workplaces with a check in culture are different to normal workplaces. The main changes are:
They’ve moved on from “What are you doing?”
Check in cultures understand that looking over peoples shoulder doesn’t really help employee engagement, motivation or performance. Instead, checking in is about “How are you doing?” and “What support do you need?”
They check in when things are good AND bad
Check in cultures understand that they need to check in when things are good and bad. They recognise that there is enormous value in making check ins a consistent and normal part of business.
They’re having regular check ins
Check in cultures place value on regular check ins. They become a safety valve, where expectations can be clarified and early feedback can be received before an issue becomes a crisis. Check ins are recognised for their value in alignment, engagement and retention of staff.
They’ve done the initial steps
Check in cultures have been build on some initial work to help staff and managers to understand the importance of checking in. They’ve used initiatives like workplace wellness sessions or community R U OK? workshops play to make the first step.
They’ve made space for powerful conversations
Workplaces with a check in culture have recognised the need for space to share and have moved beyond transactional chats. They’re focused on “Are you on track to living the life you want to live?” and they want their team members to be best versions of themselves.
They recognise that everyone can improve
All staff go through highs and low. Even leaders have faults: everyone can improve. Often, that improvement comes after a period of intense challenge.
Instead of relying on an intimidating, infrequent annual performance review process, its more productive to having regular discussions about expectations, performance and the kind of support that’s needed to take the next step.
The Value of a Check In Culture
A check in culture unlocks the power of autonomy and creativity. Regular check ins are a way to tackle issues before they become crises and they’re a proven way to achieve connection.
iyarn: The App for Check Ins
We’ve built iyarn to help you implement employee check ins quickly and easily. Simply define what matters and check in on those areas. It’s easy to get started.
Use iyarn’s web app if you’re on a desktop or download the app from App Store (for iPhone) and Google Play (for Android)
Set up a wheel in a few clicks and then share it to the people you need to check in with.
Request a Demo
We’re more than happy to provide a demo: send us a request or an email.
