10 Tips for Effective Employee Surveys Part 1

In previous posts we outlined reasons to conduct employee surveys and some variables that these surveys can measure. To this point we’ve set the stage clearly with the importance of enterprise surveys. However, how do you ensure the effectiveness of your surveys? Today’s post will focus on the first five of ten tips you can utilize for employee survey success. Be sure to check out Part 2 of this post for the remaining five tips.

1. Survey purpose: 

   You need to clearly communicate the purpose of the questionnaire and how the results will be used. Employees will be more apt to participate in the survey if they understand its importance and the company’s commitment to act on the feedback.

2. Management Support:

   It is important that you have senior management support for your enterprise survey. Management plays an integral role in the process from communicating the purpose to developing a feedback action plan.

3. Survey promotion:

   You should advertise the survey well in advance of the launch. Develop a communication plan to outline how and when you’re going to advertise the questionnaire. Take advantage of a variety of communication channels such as: emails, memos, website posts, intranet, posters, flyers, newsletters and meetings. Consistent promotion of the survey will allow for the highest possible response rates.

4. Assure confidentiality:

   Be sure to communicate to employees that their responses will remain confidential. Alternatively, you can make the responses anonymous to ensure honest feedback and a high response rate. To safeguard anonymity surveys should avoid demographic questions which could identify individuals.

5. Clear questions:

   The questions used in the survey should be clear, concise and avoid corporate-speak. It is recommended that you avoid using too many open-ended questions if you want the survey to be completed in a timely manner. Also, you should avoid using double-barreled questions.