The first check-in your team receives sets the tone for everything that comes after it. If people understand what it is, why it exists and what will - and will not - happen as a result of their response, participation tends to be higher and the signal tends to be more honest.
A small amount of preparation before the first check-in goes a long way.
What people need to know before they respond
Most of the hesitation around responding honestly comes from uncertainty about anonymity. Will my manager be able to see what I said? Will a low score be traced back to me?
Your response is anonymous unless you choose to reveal your identity. Your manager and colleagues cannot see who submitted it unless you decide to share your name through the optional reveal function.
Keep the introduction simple and straightforward
You do not need to make a big announcement or run a presentation. A brief, honest message from a senior leader - a paragraph or two - is usually enough.
The message should cover three things: what the check-in is, why the organisation is doing it and what will happen with the results. Help people see how their feedback can lead to improvements they care about, while being clear about what they can expect.
What not to do before the first check-in
Avoid framing the check-in as a test, a performance review, or a culture initiative. Avoid making promises about what will change as a result. And avoid chasing responses or setting participation targets, which can create social pressure that compromises honesty.
After the first check-in: what to say
Once the first check-in has run, acknowledge it briefly. A short message acknowledging that the check-in went out and that the data will inform how leadership manages going forward helps build the habit of honest participation over time.
The takeaway
Getting your team ready for their first check-in is mostly about reducing uncertainty. Tell people what it is, confirm the anonymity and keep the framing factual and low-key. The check-in does not need a launch campaign - it needs honesty about its purpose and clarity about what will not happen as a result of responding.
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Also worth reading: What to expect in your first EHS cycle
