Employee Surveys Can Keep Employees Engaged

In these challenging economic times, savvy business owners are looking towards the future and strategically positioning their companies. They will be relying on their top performers to implement these strategies to stay competitive. Now more than ever, it is critical to keep key employees engaged in the business. Chances are, even if a company has not experienced layoffs or downsizing, employees are uncertain about the future, and low morale may be a result. Management should address these morale issues quickly so essential employees are motivated and retained. One way to keep a pulse on employee engagement is through surveys. Employee surveys can be used to assess multiple topics:

  • Business Strategy and Direction – How well do employees understand the business strategy and future direction of the organization?
  • Goal Alignment – Is there understanding among employees of the company’s goals and how their department and individual goals are tied? Does a clear line of sight exist between the two?
  • Customer Focus and Satisfaction – How well do employees believe the company understands their customers and the level of customer focus? Support functions within the business can also gauge the level of internal customer satisfaction with their services.
  • Employee Retention and Attrition – Do employees intend to leave the organization? What is their level of loyalty and commitment to the business? This gives management an understanding of the level of employee engagement within the business and the contributing factors.
  • Quality of Life – Are employees satisfied with the work/life balance and the quality of the work climate? Improvements in these areas may lead to better morale and commitment from employees.

The key to conducting employee surveys is a commitment from management to take action. Business owners and management can position their companies for success by using the results to create an action plan for the upcoming year. When utilized correctly, this process can lead to higher retention rates, improved productivity, better customer service and higher morale.