# Check-In Phase [![Signify Header.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2025-02/scaled-1680-/emW3hfMrZ1yIDMUv-signify-header.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2025-02/emW3hfMrZ1yIDMUv-signify-header.png)[![PM Phases Step 3.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/hsZbeJgl056saQDi-pm-phases-step-3.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/CohWXeeT08DADD0B-pm-phases-step-2.png) ### The Check-In Phase Explained Once performance objectives have been submitted and approved, the **Check-In Phase** will start. This is an integral part of the performance management process, as it provides time for employees to work on achieving the objectives in their performance agreements, while managers can monitor their progress and provide feedback. The **Performance Management** module's check-in functionality works best when paired with one-on-one discussions between employees and managers. By digitally recording content from check-ins, employees have a reference point, and managers can efficiently track the employee's progress. However, check-ins in the **Performance Management** module are not mandatory and can be disabled. Remember, a performance management process is not one-size-fits-all; it is imperative that employees and managers discuss how they will approach it. ### Activating Check-Ins - As an administrator or a person with access, navigate to the **Performance Management** module. [![PM Performance Management Dashboard for Managers.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/ZYk8MrHJqLYBR1w1-pm-performance-management-dashboard-for-managers.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - Click on the **Setup and Configuration** menu. [![PM Setup and Configuration Menu.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/O4sSn7Htk1P6u3t4-pm-setup-and-configuration-menu.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - Click on **Product Setup**. [![PM Product Setup Menu.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/IXhcNuEaTbzGgSkh-pm-product-setup-menu.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - Click on the **Review Years** tab. [![PM Review Years Tab.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/BpeasT3cy70YzAp3-pm-review-years-tab.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - Click the **review year** to which the review setup is linked that you would like to activate check-ins for. [![PM List of Review Years on the System.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/R8I0rUoGsG9i8Dcz-pm-list-of-review-years-on-the-system.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - The **Details** screen of the review year will appear. Click **Review Setups** in the menu on the left. [![PM Details of Selected Review Year.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/vZkokjYqUMFafbVI-pm-details-of-selected-review-year.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - Click on the **review setup** you would like to activate check-ins for. [![PM Linked Review Setups to Review Year.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/MqqgmbKyZilM7lPv-pm-linked-review-setups-to-review-year.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - The **review periods** for the review setup will appear. Toggle the switch next to check-ins to activate or deactivate check-ins. [![PM Activate Check-Ins Setting.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/SfQbxb8AXpXvahBk-pm-activate-check-ins-setting.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - Click **SAVE** when you are done. [![PM Edit Review Period's Settings.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/ggqeze9wTYflCkKD-pm-edit-review-periods-settings.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) ### Conducting a Check-In For our example, we will assume that Emily Collins, the performance manager, will kick off the check-in phase with her reportee, Christoph Sutherland. [![Emily Collins and Christoph Sutherland PM](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/HVAk8S7UI9AmpcI3-chatgpt-image-feb-25-2026-07-24-59-am.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - The manager should navigate to the **Performance Management** dashboard and find the employee's contract under the **My Team** tab. [![PM Performance Management Dashboard for Managers.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/ZYk8MrHJqLYBR1w1-pm-performance-management-dashboard-for-managers.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - Click **CHECK-IN**. [![PM Manager Check-In Button.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/gRUrxhAq4LDyBmOa-pm-manager-check-in-button.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - The employee's performance agreement will open. At the top of the screen, the check-in statistics banner will provide the following information: [![PM Check-In Statistics Banner.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/3G2dKKtrs9k3jlla-pm-check-in-statistics-banner.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - - The number of objectives to discuss. - The number of objectives that were discussed during the last two weeks during a check-in. - The number of objectives that were discussed more than two weeks ago during a check-in. - The number of objectives for which no check-in has been done yet. ***The manager does not need to review all the objectives at each check-in. Select a few objectives and provide feedback, then select another set of objectives for the next check-in.*** - The **menu** on the left can be used for navigation. [![PM Check-In Left-hand Menu.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/MsAkhSNrrqTwyZ9V-pm-check-in-left-hand-menu.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - The centre section contains all the **objectives** of the performance agreement, the date of the last review, and comments from the manager and the employee. [![PM Check-In Objectives Section.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/FACJ4UOKzyDTMbqb-pm-check-in-objectives-section.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - To add a **comment** on an objective during a check-in, click on the desired KPI. [![PM Check-In Objectives to be Discussed.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/J6VAxgyp6MPWnzeZ-pm-check-in-objectives-to-be-discussed.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - The **check-in menu** will appear. Click to rate whether the employee is on track with this KPI, then record your comments. Once you have reviewed the feedback and you are satisfied, click **SAVE**. - Please note that the manager may record **private comments** for their own record-keeping, which will not be displayed to the employee. [![PM Check-In Screen.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/YGZKD0sTWUHmGOGt-pm-check-in-screen.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - A **message** will confirm that the comment has been successfully saved. [![PM Check-In Successful Comments.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/4pdYgtzCIFUzBsTU-pm-check-in-successful-comments.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - If you would like to **edit** a previous check-in comment, click on the KPI where you have entered the comment. When the check-in screen appears, click **EDIT LAST COMMENT**. [![PM Check-In Edit Last Comment.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/X7eIiPt6qLzrYynD-pm-check-in-edit-last-comment.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - Adjust your check-in comments as necessary, then click **SAVE**. [![PM Check-In Edit and Save Comment.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/FH9xH2eambNzFT0U-pm-check-in-edit-and-save-comment.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - Your **historical comments** will be displayed when you click on the KPI. [![PM Check-In Historical Comments.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/A26fd7Cx4k0wYsZd-pm-check-in-historical-comments.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - Historical comments, the last check-in date, and the previous rating will display on the main check-ins screen. [![PM Check-In Main Screen.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/e1I6XOx36Xb3X7ze-pm-check-in-main-screen.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) ### Reviewing a Check-In - From the employee's perspective, their **Performance Management** dashboard will notify them that their manager has conducted a check-in. The employee can click the **CHECK-IN** button to view their manager's comments. [![PM Check-Ins Employee Dashboard.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/ixuFBYwlxkDbK8ni-pm-check-ins-employee-dashboard.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - When opening their performance agreement, the employee will see the check-in statistics banner, the navigation menu, and their objectives. [![PM Check-In Employee Check-In Main Screen.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/6wwqWClHFAEyAtrD-pm-check-in-employee-check-in-main-screen.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - The employee can **review** their manager's comments and **add** their own comments to each objective. Click a KPI to open the check-in menu. [![PM Check-In Employee Check-In Menu.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/NiARY0cwP0o99WGs-pm-check-in-employee-check-in-menu.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - Add your own comment, then click **SAVE**. Your comment will display on the main check-in screen. [![PM Communications Check-In Employee's Comments.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/unnhYQZYIjQft9yk-pm-communications-check-in-employees-comments.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - To edit your comment on an objective, click the KPI and then click **EDIT LAST COMMENT**. [![PM Check-In Employee Check-In Edit Last Comment.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/HhlGdXbOtggWTLK8-pm-check-in-employee-check-in-edit-last-comment.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - Update your comment, then click **SAVE**. - Click **BACK TO DASHBOARD** to return to the **Performance Management** dashboard. [![PM Communications Check-In Employee's Comments.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/unnhYQZYIjQft9yk-pm-communications-check-in-employees-comments.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - The number of check-ins will appear in the dashboard's **overall summary** section. [![PM Communications Check-In in Overall Summary.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/2U4hdJwIBrXY0tTp-pm-communications-check-in-in-overall-summary.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) ### Check-In Notification Emails The system automatically sends the following emails for check-ins: [![PM Communications Check-In Emails.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/rQ1iZwPQhX9LbwmE-pm-communications-check-in-emails.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - **For managers:** - A reminder email once the **start date of the check-ins has been reached**. [![PM Communications Check-In Phase Started.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/xIHT3r2jSYinkoWx-pm-communications-check-in-phase-started.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - **For managers and employees:** - A reminder email of the **check-in deadline**. - The date when this email will be sent can be configured at the same location where check-ins can be activated or deactivated. - Managers' emails will look like this: [![PM Communications Check-In Phase Deadline Managers.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/Q5sRlfvlEfhUR5Uz-pm-communications-check-in-phase-deadline-managers.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) - - - Employees' emails will look like this: [![PM Communications Check-In Phase Deadline Employees.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/ZDrJ4TC6aY68W9Jl-pm-communications-check-in-phase-deadline-employees.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/K5dWzta8nVzbzzH4-pm-performance-agreement-sections.png) ### Next Steps The next phase of the performance management process is the **Ratings Phase**. For more information, proceed to the next part of this chapter. [![Signify Footer.png](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2025-02/scaled-1680-/ZOt8yZwhbiGx2d6U-signify-footer.png)](https://signature.signifyhr.co.za/uploads/images/gallery/2025-02/ZOt8yZwhbiGx2d6U-signify-footer.png)