Best practices for employee surveys - Step 12: Get candid responses

Previous Steps
1. Determine Objectives
2. Select a data collection method
3. Get buy-in from managers
4. Develop the process
5. Create a schedule
6. Select a supplier
7. Develop the questionnaire
8. Get buy-in from stakeholders
9. Get buy-in from employees
10. Develop the invitation
11. Ensure a high response rate

Step 12: Get candid responses

In Step 11, we covered a few tips for ensuring a high response rate. Here are some additional suggestions to help ensure that you get candid responses from employees.

The best way to obtain candid responses in an employee survey is to

1. Create a process that ensures the anonymity of each employee’s responses
2. Remove employee’s natural suspicions by clearly, effectively, and consistently communicating the anonymous nature of the survey and the confidentiality of their responses

 

Process

One significant benefit of using a professional market research firm to administer and analyze employee surveys is the ability to create and leverage a closed system that insulates employees from retribution for their candid feedback.

If the survey is conducted in-house, some skeptical employees will inevitably withhold or alter their true opinions for fear that any negative statements could be used against them. However, when the survey is conducted by a third party, these suspicions are greatly reduced.

Communication

No matter how effectively you plan the process to ensure anonymity, it is absolutely essential that the confidentiality of employee responses is communicated effectively and repeatedly. In each important communication with employees (pre-survey announcement, invitation, and reminder), be sure to communicate:

• The purpose of the survey
• How their anonymity is ensured
• Who will collate and analyze the results
• How the results will be used

 

Bottom Line

The quality of employee survey responses is as important as the quantity. Following these steps will put employees at ease about confidentiality and yield honest, candid feedback.