Using Check-In Questions Effectively

💡 While face-to-face conversations are often best for connection, check-ins support growth, maintain communication, and foster trust between meetings.

✅ Explain the Purpose

Let your employee know why you’re using electronic check-ins.

Emphasize that check-ins are in addition to regular 1:1s, not a replacement.
Document progress, uncover challenges early, and maintain communication.
Set expectations on response timing and level of detail.

🕒 Choose Appropriate Timing

Plan check-ins strategically with your employee. This ensures relevance and reduces “check-in fatigue.”

Common Timing Scenarios

When	Why
After major milestones	Reflect on accomplishments and lessons learned
After a challenge	Address concerns and surface support needs
Before a scheduled meeting	Prime discussion points and updates
On a recurring schedule	Maintain steady progress visibility

📌 Avoid sending check-ins randomly or without context—communicate timing expectations together.

✍️ Keep It Simple and Relevant

Keep check-ins focused with 1–2 questions that are:

Personal and aligned with current work
Clear and concise
Directly connected to goals or challenges

🎯 Instead of: “How’s everything going?”

✔️ Try: “What’s one win you had this week on the [project name]?”

💬 Respond Thoughtfully

Continually review and acknowledge responses. This shows your employee that their input matters.

Ways to respond:

Send a quick “Thanks for the update!”
Follow up during your next 1:1
Offer support or resources if a concern is raised.

⚠️ If feedback signals an issue, flag it for deeper discussion or immediate action.

🌱 Maintain a Supportive Tone

Tone shapes trust.

Keep language clear, positive, and growth-oriented.
Reinforce that check-ins are supportive, not evaluative.
Encourage honesty and dialogue.

Employees open up more when the tone is collaborative and constructive. This will make them feel more open, engaged, and willing to share their thoughts and experiences.

📝 Sample Check-In Questions

Choose 1–2 per check-in based on what’s relevant right now:

What tasks or milestones have you completed during this period?
How are you progressing toward your goals?
What resources or training have you accessed to support your objectives?
How have you made time for your development activities?
How has your manager or mentor supported your development?
How have you applied the skills or knowledge you're currently developing?
What are the next steps you envision to continue making progress?
How confident do you feel about the skills or knowledge you have gained so far?
Have any barriers affected your ability to meet your objectives?
What continues to motivate you toward your development goals?
How do you feel about your current pace of progress?
How is your development plan contributing to your overall professional growth?
What feedback have you received related to your development goals?

📌 Summary

Thoughtful check-ins through Trakstar help managers stay connected, support growth, and build trust. Keep the process simple, relevant, and human—and always follow through.