---
title: How to Run a 15-Minute Mid-Year Staff Check-In
description: Use this 15-minute check-in + anonymous survey approach to build trust with staff and prevent burnout before fall begins.
---

[Tandem for Childcare Centers](https://blog.join-tandem.com)

# [How to Run a 15-Minute Mid-Year Staff Check-In](https://blog.join-tandem.com/how-to-run-a-15-minute-mid-year-staff-check-in)

 Written by [Tandem](https://blog.join-tandem.com/author/tandem) | Jun 16, 2025 5:52:19 PM

Staffing isn’t just about filling roles — it’s about keeping great people around. And one of the simplest ways to do that? **Ask how things are going.**

A mid-year check-in can build trust, surface early warning signs, and show your team that their voice matters. The best part? It doesn’t take long — and it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Below, we’ll show you how to have a meaningful 15-minute conversation *and* how to gather anonymous feedback through a short, staff-friendly survey.

## **1. Have a quick, structured conversation**

Let your team know this isn’t a review — it’s a check-in.

Here’s a simple opener:

> “I wanted to take a few minutes to check in before fall kicks off. I’m not looking for anything polished — just an honest conversation about how things are going.”

Ask open-ended questions like:

- What’s going really well for you lately?
- Is there anything you wish were easier right now?
- How can I support you more in the coming months?

Write down what they say — even if you can’t act on everything right away.

## **2. Follow up with a short, anonymous survey**

Not everyone wants to share feedback face-to-face.

An anonymous survey gives your team a second channel to express what they’re thinking — and often uncovers insights that wouldn’t come up in a one-on-one.

We created a simple template to get you started:

Use it as-is or adapt it to reflect your center’s culture.

## **3. Let your team know what you heard**

After you gather feedback, follow up — even if it’s just to say:

> “Thanks for sharing — here are a few themes we’re working on.”

You don’t need to solve every problem. But people remember when you listen and respond.

#### **🧸 Crib Notes**

*Like Cliff Notes, but for child care:*

- A mid-year check-in can boost morale and prevent burnout
- Combine 1:1 conversations with anonymous feedback
- Use our downloadable survey template to get started quickly
- Listening is good — acting on feedback builds real trust
- Fall runs smoother when your team feels supported now

 

[View full post](https://blog.join-tandem.com/how-to-run-a-15-minute-mid-year-staff-check-in)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Tandem"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2025-07-21T19:56:07.765Z",
  "datePublished" : "2025-06-16T17:52:19Z",
  "headline" : "How to Run a 15-Minute Mid-Year Staff Check-In",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 4000,
    "url" : "https://24317509.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/24317509/pexels-mikhail-nilov-8923078.jpg",
    "width" : 6000
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://blog.join-tandem.com/how-to-run-a-15-minute-mid-year-staff-check-in",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60.0,
      "url" : "https://24317509.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/24317509/tandem_logo_1-2.png",
      "width" : 180.0
    },
    "name" : "Tandem Blog"
  }
}
```