Optimizing for Wholeness at Work: Better Questions to Ask Than “Are You Happy Here?”

How do you check in with employees to gauge how they’re feeling in their work?

Optimizing a workplace for wholeness requires a willingness to change how we communicate. One of the easiest places to start is in one-on-one conversations.

We’ve all been asked by employers, as well as by employees, “Are you happy?” Clearly, this question does not create space for wholeness in the respondent. Instead, we believe in using questions that draw out issues of autonomy, mastery, and purpose, and most importantly, invite realness into the conversation.

Below we’re sharing 12 questions that are designed to help you explore challenges, celebrate successes, and foster genuine connection in your one-on-ones.

12 questions to ask in your next 1:1:

1. How content are you in your role?
2. How safe do you feel in the workplace?
3. How secure do you feel with your role?
4. How empowered do you feel to do what you feel is best?
5. What is your satisfaction level with your compensation?
6. How resourced do you feel in the tools and resources you need to do your job?
7. Do you understand the expectations of your role? Do you feel these expectations are accurate and fair?
8. What is the most challenging thing you are currently working on?
9. What are you enjoying working on the most?
10. What skills might you like to build?
11. What concerns you most about the direction we’re headed?
12. What’s been the most surprising aspect of your job in the last (amount of time)?
13. What have you been learning?