How to avoid the pitfalls of employee‐satisfaction surveys

Abstract

Purpose

This article shows how to get the most from employee‐satisfaction surveys.

Design/methodology/approach

Describes some frequently overlooked steps of successful employee‐satisfaction surveys and demonstrates how to avoid the pitfalls.

Findings

Stresses the importance of top‐management commitment, proper design, good communications and feedback, comparing like with like, and guarantees of anonymity for survey respondents.

Practical implications

Urges organizations not to try to handle employee‐satisfaction surveys internally – advice that is unsurprising given that the author is a supplier of survey consultancy and support services.

Originality/value

Highlights the advantages to the organization of a proper employee‐satisfaction survey.

Citation

Lusty, D. (2007), "How to avoid the pitfalls of employee‐satisfaction surveys", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 15 No. 6, pp. 3-6. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670730710820127