How to Build Better Check Ins: Template Examples
Real examples of Check In - questions, goals, and core competencies - you can adapt for your hospitality teams
Disclaimer: These templates are provided as examples only, based on common practices we've observed in the hospitality sector. They are not professional HR or legal advice. We recommend adapting them to suit your specific business needs and consulting with your People & Culture or HR team to ensure they align with your policies and local employment regulations.
New Starter Check In – 1 Month
Build confidence and identify support needs early
| 💬 QUESTIONS |
| Q1. How has your first month been? Whats going well? |
| Q2. Is there anything about your role or the team that's been unclear or challenging? |
| Q3. What training or support would help you feel more confident in your role? |
| Q4. Do you feel welcomed and included in the team? |
| 🎯 GOALS |
| Complete induction and onboarding training. |
| Shadow at least two team members in different roles. |
| Understand health and safety procedures. |
| Familiarise yourself with guest service standards. |
| 🏅CORE COMPETENCIES |
| Teamwork - works well with others and asks for help when needed. |
| Guest Service - demonstrates friendliness and willingness. |
| Reliability - arrives on time and completes assigned tasks. |
| Communication - listens actively and follow instructions. |
Monthly 1:1 Check In
Maintain regular dialogue and momentum
| 💬 QUESTIONS |
| Q1. What's been your biggest win this month? |
| Q2. Have you faced any challenges? How did you handle them? |
| Q3. Is there anything I can do to better support you? |
| Q4. What would you like to focus on next month? |
| 🎯 GOALS |
| Maintain service quality scores above target. |
| Complete any scheduled training or development activities. |
| Support team members during busy service periods. |
| Contribute ideas for improving team processes. |
| 🏅CORE COMPETENCIES |
| Guest Focus - consistently delivers excellent service. |
| Adaptability - responds well to change in demand or priorities. |
| Initiative - identifies problems and suggests solutions. |
| Professional Development - engages with feedback and learning opportunities. |
Quarterly Performance Appraisals
Structured review aligned to business priorities.
| 💬 QUESTIONS |
| Q1. Looking back over the last three months, what achievements are you most proud of? |
| Q2. Which of your goals did you achieve? What helped you succeed? |
| Q3. Where do you feel you need more development or support? |
| Q4. What are your professional goals for the next quarter? |
| Q5. How well do you feel your work contributes to our team and business goals? |
| 🎯 GOALS |
| Achieve or exceed departmental KPIs ( guest satisfaction, speed of service, etc.) |
| Complete all mandatory training and certifications. |
| Demonstrates leadership during peak trading periods. |
| Participate in at least one continuous improvement initiative. |
| 🏅CORE COMPETENCIES |
| Guest Experience - creates memorable moments and handles complaints professionally. |
| Quality Standards – maintains high standards in all aspects of work. |
| Leadership – supports and motivates team members. |
| Business Awareness – understands how individual performance impacts overall success |
| Problem Solving – identifies issues and implements effective solutions. |
Job Chat - Role Specific Review
Focus on technical skills and role requirements
| 💬 QUESTIONS |
| Q1. How confident do you feel performing all aspects of your role? |
| Q2. Are there any tasks or responsibilities you'd like more training on? |
| Q3. What tools, equipment, or resources would help you do your job better? |
| Q4. Do you feel clear about what's expected of you in this role? |
| 🎯 GOALS |
| Demonstrate proficiency in all core role responsibilities. |
| Maintain compliance with health, safety, and food hygiene standards. |
| Achieve consistency in service delivery and quality. |
| Keep work area clean, organised, and well-stocked. |
| 🏅CORE COMPETENCIES |
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Technical Skills – demonstrates competence in role-specific tasks.
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Attention to Detail – maintains accuracy and quality standards.
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Time Management – prioritises tasks and works efficiently.
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Health & Safety – follows all procedures and identifies risks.
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Promotion Discussion Check In
Prepare for career progression
| 💬 QUESTIONS |
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Q1. What role or responsibility are you interested in progressing towards? |
| Q2. What skills or experience do you feel you need to develop to get there? |
| Q3. Can you give examples of when you've demonstrated leadership or taken initiative? |
| Q4. What support do you need from me or the business to help you progress? |
| 🎯 GOALS |
| Shadow or support in the desired role for a set period. |
| Complete relevant training or qualifications. |
| Take ownership of a project or area of responsibility. |
| Demonstrate readiness through consistent high performance. |
| 🏅CORE COMPETENCIES |
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Leadership Potential – inspires and guides others effectively.
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Accountability – takes ownership of tasks and outcomes.
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Strategic Thinking – considers longer-term impacts and improvements.
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Professionalism – represents the business positively at all times.
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Wellbeing Check In
Support mental health and work-life balance
| 💬 QUESTIONS |
| Q1. How are you feeling at the moment, both at work and outside of work? |
| Q2. Is your workload manageable? Do you feel you have enough time to rest and recharge? |
| Q3. Have you experienced any stress, pressure, or challenges recently? |
| Q4. Is there anything we can do to better support your well-being? |
| 🎯 GOALS |
| Participate in team wellbeing initiatives. |
| Access wellbeing resources or support if needed. |
| 🏅CORE COMPETENCIES |
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Self-Awareness – recognises own wellbeing needs and boundaries.
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Communication – feels comfortable discussing well-being concerns.
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Probation Review - 3 Months
Formal assessment before confirming employment
| 💬 QUESTIONS |
| Q1. How do you feel you've settled into the role and the team? |
| Q2. Have you received the training and support expected? |
| Q3. What aspects of the role do you enjoy most? Are there any concerns? |
| Q4. What development areas would you like to focus on moving forward? |
| 🎯 GOALS |
| Achieve competence in all core responsibilities. |
| Demonstrate understanding of company values and standards. |
| Build positive working relationships with colleagues. |
| Show commitment, reliability, and a willingness to learn. |
| 🏅CORE COMPETENCIES |
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Role Competence – performs tasks to the expected standard.
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Reliability – consistent attendance, punctuality, and effort.
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Attitude – demonstrates positivity, openness to feedback, and professionalism.
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Guest Service – meets or exceeds guest expectations consistently.
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Annual Development Review
Long-term growth and career planning
| 💬 QUESTIONS |
| Q1. Looking back over the past year, what are you most proud of? |
| Q2. What skills have you developed? What would you like to develop next? |
| Q3. Where do you see yourself in the next 1-2 years? |
| Q4. How can the business better support your long-term development? |
| 🎯 GOALS |
| Achieve all annual performance targets. |
| Complete a development programme or qualification. |
| Take on additional responsibilities or mentor junior team members. |
| Contribute to at least two business improvement initiatives. |
| 🏅CORE COMPETENCIES |
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Strategic Performance – consistently achieves long-term objectives.
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Leadership & Influence – positively impacts team culture and performance.
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Professional Growth – actively pursues career development.
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Brand Ambassador – represents the company values in all interactions.
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✨ Best Practice Tips
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✔️ Customise for Your Culture Adapt the language and tone to match your brand voice and team dynamics. |
✔️ Mix Question Types Balance reflective questions with forward-looking ones for richer conversations. |
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✔️ Keep It Manageable Use 4–6 competencies per template to avoid overwhelming managers and employees. |
✔️ Review Annually Refresh templates yearly to ensure questions and competencies stay relevant. |
💡 Remember: The best Check Ins happen when structure meets genuine conversation.
These templates are starting points, make them your own!