The Small Business Guide to Employee Feedback Surveys
Create feedback surveys that employees actually want to answer - without the corporate complexity.
Employee Feedback Surveys That Work
Skip the 50-question marathons. Here's how to create surveys your team will actually complete (and that give you useful insights).
The Problem with Traditional Surveys
What Usually Goes Wrong
- Too many questions
- Confusing language
- No clear purpose
- Poor timing
- Zero follow-up
The Better Way: Quick Pulse Surveys
Why They Work
- 2-3 minutes to complete
- Clear, direct questions
- Immediate purpose
- Regular schedule
- Visible actions
Essential Survey Questions
1. Engagement Check
- "How likely are you to recommend working here to a friend?" (0-10)
- "How do you feel about coming to work?" (π π βΉοΈ)
- "What's your energy level at work?" (1-5)
2. Work Environment
- "Do you have the tools you need to do your job well?" (Yes/No)
- "Rate your work-life balance" (1-5)
- "What's one thing we could improve about your workspace?"
3. Team Dynamics
- "Do you feel heard by your colleagues?" (1-5)
- "How well does your team collaborate?" (1-5)
- "What's one thing that would make teamwork better?"
4. Growth & Development
- "Do you see a future here?" (Yes/No)
- "What skill would you like to develop next?"
- "Do you feel challenged in your role?" (1-5)
Question Types to Use
1. Rating Scales
β Good for:
- Tracking trends
- Quick responses
- Clear comparisons
Example: "Rate your job satisfaction: 1-5"
2. Yes/No Questions
β Good for:
- Clear issues
- Quick decisions
- Baseline data
Example: "Do you have the resources you need?"
3. Open Text
β Good for:
- Detailed feedback
- Suggestions
- Context
Example: "What's one thing we could improve?"
Survey Timing That Works
Regular Pulse Checks
- Every 2 weeks: Team mood
- Monthly: Work environment
- Quarterly: Deeper engagement
- Annually: Career development
Event-Based Surveys
- After changes
- Post-projects
- Following training
- During onboarding
Making Surveys Work
1. Before the Survey
β Do:
- Explain the purpose
- Set clear timeframes
- Promise action
- Keep it short
β Don't:
- Spring it on people
- Make it too long
- Ask leading questions
- Include jargon
2. During the Survey
β Do:
- Send reminders
- Be available for questions
- Track completion
- Note early trends
β Don't:
- Pressure people
- Chase constantly
- Discuss responses
- Make assumptions
3. After the Survey
β Do:
- Share results quickly
- Plan actions
- Communicate changes
- Set timelines
β Don't:
- Ignore feedback
- Delay response
- Break confidentiality
- Make excuses
Survey Templates That Work
1. Quick Pulse Check
Questions:
- How are you feeling today? (π π βΉοΈ)
- What's one thing that would make your day better?
- Do you have what you need to succeed? (Y/N)
2. Monthly Check-in
Questions:
- Rate your work satisfaction (1-5)
- What's working well?
- What could be better?
- Do you feel supported? (1-5)
3. Quarterly Deep Dive
Questions:
- Rate your growth opportunities (1-5)
- What skills would you like to develop?
- How could we improve as a company?
- Do you see yourself here in a year? (Y/N)
Using Cuura for Better Surveys
We've made surveys simple:
-
Quick Setup
- Choose a template
- Customise questions
- Share in one click
-
Easy Responses
- Mobile friendly
- No login needed
- Takes 2 minutes
-
Clear Insights
- Instant results
- Trend tracking
- Action planning
Common Survey Mistakes
1. The Length Trap
β 30-minute surveys β 2-minute pulse checks
2. The Timing Error
β Random scheduling β Regular, predictable timing
3. The Follow-up Fail
β Collecting data and doing nothing β Quick actions and communication
Getting Started
- Pick a template
- Schedule regular checks
- Commit to action
- Keep it simple
Next Steps
Ready to start? Here's your plan:
- Choose your first survey type
- Pick 3-4 key questions
- Set up your schedule
- Plan your follow-up
Remember: The best survey is the one that gets completed and acted on.
Need help setting up effective surveys? We're here to help - and yes, we practice what we preach.