What is an employee survey?
An employee survey is a means of gaining insight into what is going on in the workplace. It tells you how your employees experience their work and the organization as a whole. Such a survey consists of questions or statements about various themes that play a role in the workplace, such as terms of employment, remuneration, communication, leadership, development opportunities, work pressure and work environment.
An employee survey answers questions such as:
What are we doing well?
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Are there things we are overlooking?
Based on the results of the survey, you can focus on areas for improvement in order to improve the working environment and work experience of your employees. This in turn will contribute to the success of your organization.
What topics are covered in an employee survey?
There are many different employee surveys on the market. Although the questions or statements are often different, there is usually overlap in the topics covered. Sometimes it is possible to decide for yourself which topics you will and will not have reflected in the survey so that it matches themes that are going on in your organization.
The Trust Index consists of 60 statements on 5 themes:
Credibility. This is about communication, expectation management, vision, integrity and exemplary behavior.
Respect. This is about (personal) development, appreciation, being involved in decisions, psychological safety and work-life balance.
Fairness. This is about fair pay, profit sharing and promotion, the absence of discrimination and the opportunity to speak out in cases of wrongdoing.
Pride. This is about meaningful work, team spirit, making a social contribution and customer focus.
Camaraderie. This is about being able to be yourself, celebrating special occasions, a fun workplace, onboarding and working with colleagues.
In addition to the 60 statements, the Trust Index consists of 2 open-ended questions, 5 demographic questions and 3 multiple-choice questions. This survey is based on universal values and therefore the same in every country and in every organization, regardless of size or industry.
It is also possible to add your own questions to the Trust Index. Own questions never replace other questions, but complement the Trust Index.
Employee survey or employee satisfaction survey?
Employee survey and employee satisfaction survey are two terms used interchangeably, but they are indeed two different things.
An employee satisfaction survey measures employee satisfaction, while an employee survey gives a full picture of the culture in an organization and how employees experience it. If you ask us, the term "employee satisfaction survey" is outdated. Because to be successful as an organization, you need more than just satisfied employees.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with satisfied employees. But there is a big difference between a satisfied employee and an inspired employee who can and wants to use his or her full potential. Indeed, in the latter case, employees are more engaged, proactive and creative. This, in turn, contributes to innovation and growth in an organization.
Is an employee survey mandatory?
No, an employee survey is not mandatory.
But according to the Dutch Arbowet, an employer must pursue a policy to prevent psychosocial workload or (if that is not possible) to limit it. According to the same law, psychosocial workload refers to factors that directly or indirectly cause work-related stress. Examples include sexual harassment, aggression and violence, bullying and work pressure.
Policy alone is not enough. According to the Arbowet, there must also be an action plan with measures to prevent work-related stress.
Undesirable behavior (such as bullying) often takes place under the surface, so as an organization you have no insight into it. An employee survey is a reliable tool for mapping this out. Based on the results of the survey, you can determine concrete points for improvement, which you can record in an action plan.
What is the cost of an employee survey?
Many organizations hire an independent research firm to conduct an employee survey. The price tag of an employee survey depends on several factors, including the size of your organization and the party you partner with.
Keep in mind that an employee survey is not just a cost, but can actually lead to cost savings and better organizational results. So don't view an employee survey as a cost, but as an investment in the success of your organization.
Learn more about our packages and pricing here.
