There are several different areas of emphasis that can be considered when doing an employee survey. These areas of emphasis are often combined and integrated to an extent; however, most employees will have a low tolerance for a long survey so it’s important to keep survey length relatively short, which limits the scope. A few surveys that focus on specific areas are listed below.

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1. Climate surveys – Also known as opinion or job satisfaction surveys, the purpose of this survey is to gauge perceptions and attitudes. 

2. Engagement surveys – These are specifically designed to learn about the level of engagement and ownership employees have for their job and the mission of the organization. 

3. Culture Surveys – Designed to determine the organic culture or gauge the level at which employees buy into the culture an organization is aspiring to. 

4. Surveys can also be designed with a particular emphasis. This can include benefit surveys to determine the mix of benefits that work best for a particular group or surveys that help with strategic planning preparation.
    

Surveys are a powerful tool to gain insight into a group of employees. It is important that they be conducted properly. It’s best if they are performed by a third party, or at least by a separate segment of the organization that is a few steps removed from the implications of the survey. It’s also important that the results are themed, summarized, and shared with those participating. Leaders have access to detailed findings and can formulate plans to address issues. When employees hear the themed results and see leaders making changes to improve organizational health, they feel like they have been heard and cared for, which will always result in improving organizational performance.

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Solutions 

S. Miller Consulting can provide surveys designed to meet individual organizations’ needs. This can include general surveys to measure culture and engagement, as well as specific surveys to help create compensation and benefit programs, strategic planning preparation, etc.