More Answers... (01/18/26 Newsletter): The Power of Checking In...

Hi Everyone, 

Here's your Sunday night "More Answers..." to help you head into the work week. Remember, you can see previous newsletters at askchrista.com/MoreAnswers.

Today's topic? The Power of "Checking In"

The  Power of "Checking In"

We often underestimate how much a simple, genuine check-in can matter at work. A thoughtful, professional “How are you?” or “You seemed more quiet than usual in our meeting, so I wanted to check in” can gently and meaningfully shift how someone experiences their day. This is not about prying or problem-solving. It is about seeing someone and acknowledging their human-ness (one of my favorite adjectives) while staying within professional boundaries.

Research consistently shows that feeling noticed and supported at work is linked to higher trust, stronger relationships, and better overall well-being (Edmondson, 2018; Grant & Parker, 2009). When people feel invisible, stress tends to rise. When they feel seen, even briefly, it often softens the edges of a difficult moment.

Checking In as a Professional Point of Care

If you notice a coworker struggling, yes-- please check in. Of course, consider your approach: keep it general, respectful, and optional. Focus on observation(s) rather than assumption(s), with a clear objective to see them as people who may be managing a high workload or difficult work situation. It's not about personal details; it's about reaching out to ask about how they're doing at work.

This is an important boundary for you and for your co-worker. If what you hear signals issues that go beyond what is appropriate for a peer relationship, the most appropriate (and respectful) next step is often to involve the right resources. Human Resources, employee assistance programs, or leadership channels exist for a reason. Staying caring does not mean carrying things you are not equipped or expected to carry, especially in the United States where there could be legal reasons why boundaries exist-- for example, health situations. 

To that end, research shows how maintaining appropriate boundaries protects both the helper and the person receiving support (Dutton & Heaphy, 2003).

That said, a well-timed check-in communicates compassion and openness without overstepping. It reinforces a culture where people can be human at work while still respecting professional lines. And sometimes, that small moment of recognition is exactly what someone needs to steady themselves and keep going.

BOOSTER FOR YOUR WEEK!!!

If you want a thoughtful, evidence-informed take on caring for coworkers, especially if you're in a management and/or leadership position, I recommend the recent article "How Leaders Can Practice Wise Empathy," by Nick Hobson and Gregory J. Depow, published January 14, 2026. 

It offers practical guidance on how to show care and empathy at work in the moment, while while maintaining healthy professional boundaries, grounded in research on empathy and workplace relationships. (maintaining the boundaries isn't just for HR-reasons, it's to help you protect your own energy and wellbeing, too).

(And remember, if you have a business challenge or a workplace issue, Ask Christa!)

REFERENCES

Dutton, J. E., & Heaphy, E. D. (2003). The power of high-quality connections. In K. S. Cameron, J. E. Dutton, & R. E. Quinn (Eds.), Positive organizational scholarship (pp. 263–278). Berrett-Koehler.

Edmondson, A. C. (2018). The fearless organization: Creating psychological safety in the workplace for learning, innovation, and growth. Wiley.

Grant, A. M., & Parker, S. K. (2009). Redesigning work design theories: The rise of relational and proactive perspectives. Academy of Management Annals, 3(1), 317–375. https://doi.org/10.5465/19416520903047327

(remember: most public libraries in the USA offer access to academic papers; however, if yours does not, then Google these papers to see where they are listed, how you can learn more about them, and how you can find similar papers to learn more about conflict management and conflict resolution in the workplace)