Pulse Survey

A pulse survey is a short and specific questionnaire conducted within an organization to get immediate viewpoints of employees on topics or issues they are directly concerned with. Unlike the traditional annual or biannual employee surveys, the pulse surveys are developed on the basis that they will be short, focused, and frequent, hence organizations can get timely feedback and monitor employee emotions regularly. Pulse surveys often include both closed-ended and open-ended questions to measure employee satisfaction, engagement, morale, and perception of key workplace elements such as: leadership, communication, culture, and organizational changes. The purpose of pulse surveys is to generate actionable data which helps decision-making, promotes an ongoing improvement, and increases employee experience and engagement.

Example of Pulse Survey

A tech company introduces a pulse survey system in its program of employee engagement, which aims at promptly identifying and responding to employee needs and desires. Each quarter the company sends out pulse surveys among employees with the aim of keeping relevant topics such as workplace objectives and key performance indicators fresh in their minds. In one pulse survey, employees are asked to rate their satisfaction with the organization's remote work policy and practice post the transition to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey consists of questions about the availability of remote work resources, communication effectiveness, work-life balance, as well as the support from managers and colleagues. Employees are welcome to add more details and feedback in open-text fields which are very good at providing context to their answers. Even the survey is an anonymous process in order to encourage the most honest feedback and participation from employees. The HR team at the company conducts and analyzes the survey data, which is then shared with senior management and relevant stakeholders. They pinpoint the patterns, strengths, and the areas that need improvement by using employees’ feedback and then formulate the action plans to deal with the problems or concerns raised.