Years ago, I worked at a national company headquartered in Vancouver. I didn’t report to the president directly, but I watched him do something simple and powerful: every morning, he’d walk through the office and check in with people, everyone from the custodian to the temp admin to the VPs. He’d remember small details, ask how projects were going (always deferring to managers), and genuinely connect.

The Power of Checking In

At first, I thought he was checking up on people. In a way, he was, but more importantly, he was making himself visible and approachable. People felt seen, respected, and more likely to speak up early if something was off. That 15–20 minutes a day paid dividends in trust, morale, and performance.

A people leader won’t know employees are struggling if they don’t know who their employees are.

Small Actions Create Big Impacts 

In big organizations, it might not be realistic to know everyone, but it is realistic to know your direct reports and to expect them to know theirs. That chain of connection matters. No one in an organization should feel invisible.

Leadership visibility is not optional, it’s a responsibility. People leaders need to go out of their way, even beyond their comfort zones, to walk the floor, check in, and show genuine concern. These small, consistent acts build psychological safety, reduce stress, and strengthen organizational health.

Mental health support isn’t just about programs and policies. It starts with people feeling seen and valued, every day.

Editor’s note: Contact Steve to schedule a one-on-one leadership coaching session.

Additionally, Steve provides consultations to members on how to create safe and healthy workplaces—and offers workshops on a variety of mental health topics that can impact manufacturing facilities.

Written by Dr. Steve Conway | Director of Leadership and Psychological Safety
Originally shared via  LinkedIn