The Small Business Guide to Employee Feedback Surveys

Create feedback surveys that employees actually want to answer - without the corporate complexity.

Sarah Thompson
4 min read

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?" (😊 😐 ☹️)
  • "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

βœ… Good for:

  • Tracking trends
  • Quick responses
  • Clear comparisons

Example: "Rate your job satisfaction: 1-5"

2. Yes/No Questions

βœ… Good for:

  • Clear issues
  • Quick decisions
  • Baseline data

Example: "Do you have the resources you need?"

3. Open Text

βœ… 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

βœ… Do:

  • Explain the purpose
  • Set clear timeframes
  • Promise action
  • Keep it short

❌ Don't:

  • Spring it on people
  • Make it too long
  • Ask leading questions
  • Include jargon

2. During the Survey

βœ… Do:

  • Send reminders
  • Be available for questions
  • Track completion
  • Note early trends

❌ Don't:

  • Pressure people
  • Chase constantly
  • Discuss responses
  • Make assumptions

3. After the Survey

βœ… Do:

  • Share results quickly
  • Plan actions
  • Communicate changes
  • Set timelines

❌ Don't:

  • Ignore feedback
  • Delay response
  • Break confidentiality
  • Make excuses

Survey Templates That Work

1. Quick Pulse Check

Questions:

  1. How are you feeling today? (😊 😐 ☹️)
  2. What's one thing that would make your day better?
  3. Do you have what you need to succeed? (Y/N)

2. Monthly Check-in

Questions:

  1. Rate your work satisfaction (1-5)
  2. What's working well?
  3. What could be better?
  4. Do you feel supported? (1-5)

3. Quarterly Deep Dive

Questions:

  1. Rate your growth opportunities (1-5)
  2. What skills would you like to develop?
  3. How could we improve as a company?
  4. Do you see yourself here in a year? (Y/N)

Using Cuura for Better Surveys

We've made surveys simple:

  1. Quick Setup

    • Choose a template
    • Customise questions
    • Share in one click
  2. Easy Responses

    • Mobile friendly
    • No login needed
    • Takes 2 minutes
  3. Clear Insights

    • Instant results
    • Trend tracking
    • Action planning

Common Survey Mistakes

1. The Length Trap

❌ 30-minute surveys βœ… 2-minute pulse checks

2. The Timing Error

❌ Random scheduling βœ… Regular, predictable timing

3. The Follow-up Fail

❌ Collecting data and doing nothing βœ… Quick actions and communication

Getting Started

  1. Pick a template
  2. Schedule regular checks
  3. Commit to action
  4. Keep it simple

Next Steps

Ready to start? Here's your plan:

  1. Choose your first survey type
  2. Pick 3-4 key questions
  3. Set up your schedule
  4. 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.