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      How do I design a culture survey?

      Run a Culture Survey to measure the current experience of your employees and gather ideas on how to improve on certain areas.

      Our data and research shows that most employees don't find value in completing long surveys and usually only do so because they are forced to participate.

      While employees may not find value, many of our customers have a requirement to measure employee experience and engagement.

      In this case Joyous recommends a middle ground as outlined below.

      Survey structure

      • We recommend keeping surveys short. Ideally under 5 minutes to complete. 
      • Start the survey with a few sentences that set the context and expectations of the survey.
      • While open conversations are well suited for operational campaigns, we recommend positioning your culture survey as confidential.
      • Employees names will still go with their feedback, but only a small number of people, typically from your People & Culture team, will be given access to the live feed, and any reporting shared more broadly will not include any identifying information.
      • We recommend asking five rating questions followed by one open question as surveys are naturally measurement-focused rather than conversational. 
      • End the survey with an open question that seeks ideas and solutions for improvement.

      Example, focused on Development & Experience

      Type Survey
      Messages
      1. As part of our plan for the year, every [six months] we will run a [confidential (links to a confidentiality web-page)] [engagement] survey containing [six] questions to help us understand your experience at [ACME] so we can continue to improve.
      2. The survey should take less than 5 minutes to complete and you will have [two weeks] to share your thoughts.
      eNPS 1. How likely are you to recommend [ACME] as a place to work? 
      Message 1. How strongly do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
      Rated statements

      1. I have opportunities to grow and develop at [ACME].

      2. I feel connected to the wider [ACME] team.

      3. I feel heard when I share my thoughts.

      4. The work I do is important to me.​
      Open question

      What would help you to have the best work experience at [ACME]?

       

      If you go with the confidential approach we recommend that you communicate this to your employees in advance of sending the survey. Here is an example email:

      Email Template

      From: [Chief People Officer] 

      Audience: All employees

      Subject: Help us improve your experience at [ACME]

      Body:

      Dear [Valued Team Member],

      [CEO Name] and I are reaching out to you today with an important request - we would like to ask for your feedback on how we can improve your experience working at [ACME].

      As valued employees, we believe that your perspectives and ideas are critical to informing how we improve [ACME].

      What to expect:

      • Every [six months], starting from [Date], you will receive one [email/SMS] including a link to a short survey from Joyous that will take less than 5 minutes to answer.
      • Your feedback will be treated confidentially. (links to a confidentiality web-page)

      Thanks in advance.

      Sincerely,

      [Chief People Officer]

      Confidentiality Webpage Template

      Link location: joyoushq.com/confidentiality-[ACME]

      Note: Joyous can publish and tailor a page to suit your particular requirements as requested. Your logo will be included on the heading of the page.

      Body:

      For the [engagement] survey, only [description of people] will see your feedback, along with your name. This enables them to reach out to any particular individual for more clarity or support if needed. They will treat your feedback confidentially.

      Once the survey is closed, results will be shared to a broader audience in a Joyous report. No names or any other identifying information will be associated with comments or themes inside the report.

      If you have any concerns or questions about confidentiality, please do not hesitate to reach out to [Chief People Officer / nominated HR champion] for more information on [contact information].

      Full Question Library

      The example above was specific to the topic of Development and Experience. Here are all the questions from the Joyous culture library for you to select from.

      • You may select the questions that are most applicable to your requirements.
      • You may expand the survey to any length, the design of the survey is in your control.
      • Once you are ready simply inform your customer success manager and they will configure your survey according to your needs.
      Type Topic: Engagement
      Messages
      1. Let's reflect on how engaged you are feeling at the moment.
      2. How strongly do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
      Rated statements
      1. Most days I feel good about my role.
      2. My role makes good use of my skills, knowledge and experience.
      Open question

      What would help make better use of your skills, knowledge and experience at [ACME]?
      Type Topic: Well-being
      Messages
      1. We'd like to understand more about your well-being.
      2. How strongly do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
      Rated statements
      1. I believe people at [ACME] care about the safety of our people.
      2. I feel like [ACME] cares about my mental well-being
      3. I have the time I need to deliver quality results.
      Open question

      What presents you from completing your work during your regular working hours?
      Type Topic: Culture and Environment
      Messages
      1. Let's reflect on the culture and environment at [ACME].
      2. How strongly do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
      Rated statements
      1. It is clear what is expected of me in my role.
      2. Business goals and strategies are clearly communited.
      3. I feel trusted to do a good job.
      4. The tools, technology and processes at [ACME] allow me to perform my role well.
      Open question

      Are there any changes to tools, technology and processes that would help you perform your role better?
      Type Topic: Fairness & Inclusion
      Messages
      1. Let's reflect on fairness and inclusion at work.
      2. How strongly do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
      Rated statements
      1. I feel connected to the wider [ACME] team.
      2. I feel comfortable sharing my ideas.
      3. I'm treated with respect at [ACME].
      4. I have opportunities to discuss my progress and development.
      Open question

      Are there any changes to tools, technology and processes that would help you perform your role better?