A meaningful way to introduce and run wellbeing check-ins

A great way to introduce wellbeing check-ins is to tie it to a relevant event. For example, a day like RUOK Day in Australia. This makes the introduction meaningful and relevant. Let's look at an example.

Introduction email

Hi all,

As RUOK Day approaches (insert relevant reason), we thought it'd be a good time to touch base and see how everyone's feeling. We want to make this organisation a positive experience for you and if it isn't, we'd like to know so we can look at ways to change that.

We will send out a brief check-in via Skodel at (insert time). We are using Skodel because sometimes it is easier to open up honestly via a private and anonymous channel, and it provides action steps at the end to support your wellbeing.

The feedback will be collated to produce a post check-in action plan that will be sent via email the check-in.

Thanks to everyone who participates in this. Your feedback will help us make this a better place to work, learn and grow.

Best,

The check-in (relaxed and meaningful)

Focus on using everyday language that people resonate with. It shouldn't seem like another task or formality. Here is an example below:

• Hi! How are you feeling today?

  • On top of the world

  • Good

  • Ok

  • Not great, to be honest

• Are any of the below influencing how you're feeling?

  • Explore situations inside the organisation such as workload, transparent communication, relationships, role clarity, environment, opportunities for growth, interest in work/learning and, if you'd like, issues such as bullying and discrimination.

• During challenging times, what's one strategy or practice that has helped you navigate and feel better? We'd love to compile and share these insights to support everyone.

• Last question, is there anything else you'd like to share in this check-in? Maybe what we are doing well here and what we could improve for you?

Post check-in action plan

Review the data and produce an action plan email. For guidance on how you can do this on Skodel, click here.

Include the strategies in there -

Thank you to everyone who shared their personal strategies for managing challenging times. Here are some of the shared strategies that you may find helpful:

[Strategy A]

[Strategy B]

Final thoughts

Days like RUOK Day are an opportunity to start a meaningful check-in process in your organisation. This doesn't have to be a daily or weekly thing, but periodic and purposeful check-ins can create a space where people feel heard and supported. It can ensure your organisation isn't causing or exacerbating issues and, if it is, it can bring these issues to the surface to create positive change. Let's use days like RUOK Day to create environments where people don't just feel comfortable speaking up but know that when they do, it truly matters.