It’s been a while since I posted a tip in our ongoing video series on how to deliberately build resilient workplaces. So it’s time! Today’s strategy is to check in frequently. Let me explain what I mean.
Check in frequently
When I say “check in frequently”, it’s as simple as asking someone how they are. Or “How can I support you?” Or “What do you need to get this done?” Not just asking though, but actually listening to the answer. And then showing empathy. This is how you build resilient workplaces, one employee at a time.
But asking your employees one-on-one is not the only way to check in. You can also establish what I call “temperature checks”. At the start of every meeting, ask everyone to state their energy levels on a scale of one to five, with one being low and five being high. This is an easy way to quickly determine if there is someone who needs attention, or who is outside their normal range of fatigue and frustration. And then you can step in to try and assist. And it you do temperature checks regularly, it will become routine.
Another way to check in, particularly for a large group of employees, is to conduct frequent pulse surveys. These do not have to be complicated, usually three to five illuminating questions, and if you ask people to complete them once every two to four weeks, they are very useful in spotting trends. And if you see anything that is troubling, you can take further steps to isolate the problem and do something about it.
Resilient workplace don’t just happen!
Resilient workplaces don’t just happen. But when you check in frequently, you can keep your finger of the pulse of what your people are feeling, and you can take deliberate action to build resiliency.
So I’d love to know what you think about today’s strategy. Are you already doing something similar to make sure that you have a resilient workplace? Please tell us more by adding your comment below.
It’s been a while since I did a tip in this series, so if you want a reminder of what I’ve suggested previously, you can access them below:
- Strategy #14: Create a psychologically safe environment
- Strategy #13: Show your people that crises are normal and routine
- Or just access the entire series here