What If Every Workplace Started With a Check-In? - Mel Jones

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Episode 116 • 14th May 2026 • Beyond The Water Cooler • Lisa LLoyd

00:00:00 00:42:43

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We often talk about wellbeing, engagement and supporting people at work.

But too often, those conversations stay at policy level - or only happen when someone is already struggling.

In this episode, I’m joined by Mel Jones, Principal Educational Psychologist at Staffordshire County Council, to explore a simple but powerful approach that one school in Leeds has embedded into everyday practice.

Every morning begins with check-ins. Senior leaders check in with each other. Staff check in before the day starts. Teachers check in with their students. And when someone needs additional support, it’s noticed early and responded to with care.

It’s proactive, practical and built into how the organisation operates - not treated as an add-on.

We explore why this approach works so well from a psychological perspective, what it requires from leaders, and why organisations beyond education could learn a lot from it.

Because when people feel seen, understood and supported, performance, communication and resilience all improve.

And perhaps the bigger question is this:

What could shift in your organisation if checking in with people became part of everyday leadership practice?

More about Mel

Melissa Jones is a principal educational psychologist at Staffordshire County Council and recently completed PhD examining the application of behavioural economics to educational psychology decision-making and evidenced informed practice. She has led service transformation focused on relational, psychologically driven and research informed delivery with the service shortlisted twice for county innovation awards for digital literacy innovation. Previously, she held senior leadership roles in Solihull (specialising in SEMH and exclusion reduction) and Birmingham.

Get in touch with Mel: linkedin.com/in/Melissa-Jones