Employee Check-ins: Conversation Starters

Frequent and routine check-ins allow supervisors and employees to foster teamwork and strengthen healthy working relationships by clarifying expectations, shifting priorities, and well-being. It is recommended that supervisors and employees engage in weekly or bi-weekly one-on-one meetings with a combinations of other routine check ins, including an annual summary each year. With well documented weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, and/or quarterly check ins, an annual review has practically written itself. 

 

Work Habits, Performance, and Expectations

  • Which time of day do you feel most productive?
  • What changes could be made so you can optimize your day?
  • Are you encountering any roadblocks and if so, what are they?
  • What has been your greatest accomplishment since we last met?
  • What do you hope to accomplish over the coming week, month, quarter, year?
  • Do you have everything you need to perform your job?
  • What skills do you have that you believe we could use more effectively?
  • What are the biggest time wasters for you each week?
  • What is the most repetitive part of your job, and do you have any suggestions for streamlining it?
  • What other strengths or skills do you have that you feel are not being utilized?

Team collaboration

  • Who inspires you in the team? Why?
  • Would you like to receive more feedback from other team members?
  • Do you feel comfortable giving feedback to others?
  • Do you have any suggestions for improvement in the way we work together?
  • Does our team have a set of shared goals?
  • Are we working at the same pace and speed?
  • Are our efforts of similar magnitude in this collaboration?
  • How frequently do you interact with team members?
  • Who deserves a shout out and why?
  • How you seen something recently and thought to yourself “I wish we’d done that?”
  • Is there an area outside of your currently role where you feel you could be contributing?
  • Is there any part of the company you wish you were able to interact with more?
  • What would others on the team be most likely to come to you for help on?
  • Where do you think your skills would add the most value?

Levels of Engagement and Well-being

  • What keeps you engaged and inspired at work?
  • What motivates you to get the job done?
  • Do you feel that the team is working well collaboratively?
  • Are you comfortable with our team culture, and are there areas that need improvement?
  • What are your ideal working conditions to be the most productive?
  • Do you feel overworked, underworked, or just right?
  • What is the number 1 source of stress for you at work and how might it be lessened?
  • What do you enjoy most and least about your job? • What project have you enjoyed working on recently, and why?

Short-Term and Long-Term Goals

  • How are you progressing on your goals? Do you need any help?
  • Are you facing any bottlenecks? What might help remove them?
  • How have you determined your longer-term goals?
  • Which part of your job do you feel is the most relevant to your long-term goals?
  • Do you have any questions related to your work here and your future goals?
  • Do you think your personal work goals align with the organizational goals?
  • How are you monitoring your progress towards your goals?
  • Which skills would you need to refine to help you achieve these goals?

Professional or Career Growth Plans

  • Is there another company role your see yourself in?
  • What professional growth opportunities would you like to explore?
  • Which new responsibilities would you like to take on in the next few months and years?
  • What kind of projects would you like to be involved in more?
  • Do you have any concerns when it comes to your role or career opportunities?
  • How do you like to learn?
  • What are some skills you would like to develop?
  • What are some experiences you would like to gain?
  • What projects have you enjoyed working on recently, and why?
  • What are your career goals with the company?
  • If you could shadow anyone at the company for a day, who would it be?
  • Is there an aspect of your job where you would like more help or coaching?
  • Do you believe you will be able to reach your full potential at IC?
  • If you could change one aspect of your currently role, what would it be and how would you implement it?
  • Manager Relationship Building • How can I better support you in your job?
  • Do you find my communication clear and easy to understand, or is there something I can do to improve?
  • What would you like to know about me? What would you like me to know about you?
  • Do I clearly communicate our company’s vision and mission to you?
  • Are our team vision and goals clear to you?
  • Do you feel empowered in your role?
  • Do you feel supported in your career development?
  • Where has management helped or hindered your work?
  • What can I do to make your job more enjoyable?
  • What, if any, concerns do you have when it comes to giving me feedback? How can I alleviate those concerns?
  • How do you prefer to receive feedback and/or recognition for your work?
  • What is something I can be doing differently?
  • What can we do you improve our working relationship?
  • How comfortable are you speaking up about your problems?

Overall Culture

  • What has been your biggest challenge? What are some options for overcoming it?
  • Where do you feel there is room for you to improve?
  • Do you feel you have a solid picture of the company’s future direction? Other
  • Is there a company resources you find useful and is there one you wish existed?
  • What’s the best thing that happened to you this week, either at work or outside of work?
  • What’s on your mind?
  • Is there something at work you wish you knew more about?
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