Company satisfaction surveys : An essential but underused strategic tool

15 January 2024

Introduction

Les enquêtes de satisfaction des employés sont plus qu’un simple outil de mesure ; elles sont un reflet de la dynamique interne de l’entreprise et jouent un rôle crucial dans l’alignement des objectifs stratégiques avec le bien-être des salariés.

Human resources expert

Seydi Kane, spécialiste en ressources humaines au Sénégal, affirme : « Les enquêtes de satisfaction sont indispensables à la stabilité sociale et économique de toute entreprise. »

Employee perspectives

Diarra Sakho , an employee, agrees: “I only respond to satisfaction surveys when things are going well. In times of dissatisfaction, I prefer to refrain, reluctant to provide information that could help the company improve, especially if I feel unfairly treated.”

Assitan Camara , MOA PO consultant, says: “Having taken part in such a survey for the first time last year, I found the initiative very interesting, but I was disappointed to learn that the aim was to obtain the “Great Place to Work” label. It would be interesting for the company to repeat the experience, even if there is no label to show for it. Employee well-being should be motivation enough. I hope that this will soon be the case.

Satisfaction surveys: what impact on the company's internal dynamics ?

In modern businesses, balancing employee well-being with strategic objectives is becoming an inescapable priority. Employee satisfaction is a key barometer, directly influencing the quality of customer interactions and the company’s overall performance. A negative working environment has repercussions on the quality of services and deliverables, affecting the customer experience. It is therefore vital to understand and respond to employees’ needs on a regular basis.

Don't underestimate the importance of measuring employee satisfaction

As the company’s essential ambassadors to the outside world, employees must be at the heart of all organisational strategies. Understanding how they work, listening to their perspectives and valuing their opinions is crucial to creating effective development strategies. When employees feel heard and their feedback is actively taken into account, they identify more with the company and are fully committed to their work. The adoption of a coherent corporate culture leads to greater employee involvement. But how do you carry out this essential assessment ?

The approach relies on the use of meticulously designed questionnaires, based on quantitative methods, to gather relevant data. It is recommended that a regular barometer be established to monitor key indicators, making it easier to analyse satisfaction levels and implement corrective measures.

Key steps in this process include

  • Defining the objectives of the study : Clarifying what the company is trying to understand or improve. This may include specific aspects of employee well-being, corporate culture or work processes.
  • Questionnaire design : Develop relevant, clear and objective questions. This often involves a combination of closed choice (e.g. rating scale) and open questions.
  • The pilot phase : This phase consists of testing the questionnaire with a small group of employees to assess its clarity and relevance, as well as the collection protocol, so that any necessary adjustments can be made before it is rolled out on a large scale.
  • Transparent communication : Inform employees about the aims of the survey, its importance, guarantee anonymity and how the data will be used. This helps to increase the participation rate and obtain more sincere responses.
  • Data analysis : In addition to descriptive analyses, consider more complex analyses such as statistical inference and multiple models to better understand the relationships between different factors.
  • Presentation of results : Compile the results into an understandable report, highlighting key findings, trends and areas for action.
  • Action plan : Develop an action plan based on the survey results, defining concrete measures to improve the areas identified.
  • Monitoring and evaluation : Set up a monitoring system to evaluate the effectiveness of the actions taken and adjust strategies if necessary.
  • Employee feedback : Providing feedback to employees on the results of the survey and the measures taken, thereby building trust and commitment.

Creating a committed corporate culture : The importance of involving employees in satisfaction surveys

The satisfaction survey is much more than a simple tool for measuring consumer trends; it is a mirror reflecting the aspirations and deep-seated concerns of customers. This approach finds a similar echo internally, by highlighting the well-being of employees, an aspect that is fundamental to the success of any business. Despite its crucial importance, many organisations face a major challenge: low participation rates in surveys. So how can we effectively engage employees in this process and fully integrate them into the corporate culture?

Considering the company as a united community, it is essential for managers to cultivate this perception right from the onboarding of new employees, guiding them through each stage of their career path. A deep understanding and adherence to the company’s values leads to more open and objective participation in surveys, reducing reticence. The benefits and privileges offered to employees play a crucial role in their commitment to the organisation. However, the question remains: are these measures sufficient to objectively assess employee satisfaction and quantify overall service quality?

Creating satisfaction questionnaires: a strategic lever for the company's ecosystem

Designing a satisfaction questionnaire is a fundamental step in any business, playing a pivotal role in assessing and improving the internal climate. A well-developed questionnaire, incorporating the key elements, can provide valuable insights, whereas an incomplete approach risks missing crucial information, with a negative impact on the whole organisation. As a general rule, this task is entrusted to an external player who ensures rigorous objectivity in formulating the questions. However, management and HR managers have an essential role to play in defining the specific areas to be explored. The questions should target motivation, individual and team performance, as well as management’s overall assessment, thus providing a complete picture of employee well-being.

The ultimate aim of these surveys is to shed light on the challenges and aspirations of employees, enabling tailored solutions to be developed. In this context, it is crucial to establish an open channel of communication, encouraging employees to share their thoughts freely, thereby reinforcing their sense of belonging to the company.

Conclusion

Adopting an effective strategy for satisfaction surveys is essential. By going beyond simple data collection and engaging in in-depth analysis and targeted action, companies can not only improve employee well-being, but also boost their overall performance.

 

  • To find out more about how DOLPH STATS CONSULTING can help your business optimise its satisfaction surveys, contact us at :

Email : info@dolph-stats.com

Tel: +221 77 850 08 43

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