Why Summer Is the Perfect Time to Check In on Your Team’s Mental Health

Summer often brings a lighter vibe — longer days, warmer weather, maybe even a vacation or two. But don’t let the sunshine fool you. Beneath the surface, many employees are navigating stressors that have nothing to do with deadlines or deliverables. From financial concerns and family pressures to health worries and burnout, the weight people carry outside of work often seeps into the workplace.

Lately, in several of my calls and conversations, one thing is clear: stress is high. Even the most resilient team members are stretched thin, trying to juggle personal responsibilities while showing up fully for work. It’s a reminder that now, more than ever, we need to lead with empathy. Not just with an occasional “How are you?” — but with real, intentional check-ins that go deeper than surface-level chatter.

In creative production, we move fast. Quick turnarounds, shifting priorities, and constant momentum aren’t the exception — they’re the norm. Keeping a production company running smoothly takes more than just processes and tools; it takes a team with a strong mental game. People need clarity, focus, and resilience to keep pace with the work — and that’s hard to do when they’re weighed down by invisible stress. That’s why summer is the perfect time to pause, reset, and check in.

As a leader, it’s on us to set the tone. That doesn’t mean fixing every problem or becoming a therapist — it means showing up, creating space, and reminding your team that they’re not alone. When employees feel seen and supported, they’re more likely to stay engaged, collaborate better, and bring their full creative selves to the work. That ripple effect matters — for the health of your team and the success of your business.

So take this as your nudge. Schedule a regroup. Reach out to someone who’s been quieter than usual. Ask the questions that go beyond task updates. Summer is a natural time to reconnect, and small moments of real conversation can go a long way.

5 Tips for Meaningful Mental Health Check-Ins

1. Make it private and pressure-free Don’t make check-ins feel like performance reviews. Create a relaxed space — maybe a quick walk, a virtual coffee, or just a casual 15-minute Zoom — where people feel safe to share.

2. Lead with vulnerability Start by sharing a bit about how you’re doing. When leaders are open, it gives others permission to be real too. It’s not about oversharing — it’s about modeling humanity.

3. Ask open-ended questions Instead of “Are you okay?” try “What’s been weighing on your mind lately?” or “Is there anything outside of work that’s been making it harder to focus?” These questions invite more honest responses.

4. Listen more than you talk Resist the urge to fix or fill the silence. Sometimes, just being a sounding board is the support someone needs. Follow up later if appropriate.

5. Offer resources, not just reassurance Whether it’s mental health days, access to therapy apps, or flexible schedules — point your team to tools that can actually help them cope, not just cope harder.

Let’s remember: we’re all in this together. The best work — the most creative, innovative, impactful work — comes from teams that feel cared for.

And that starts with a simple check-in.