Keeping in Touch with Employee Climate Surveys

It is always important to understand what employees are thinking and feeling. A simple, quick solution for this is to conduct an employee climate survey. Employee climate surveys are studies of employees' perceptions and perspectives; in essence, their thoughts and feelings of the current state of an organization. These surveys address attitudes and concerns that help the organization make changes to improve productivity, communications, quality and service and work with employees to incorporate positive changes in the environment.

Successful organizations work together with team members to address problems and create a positive work environment. An employee climate survey enables an organization to get a real pulse on what is happening in the environment. It also creates the opportunity to operate more efficiently through the use of employee feedback and satisfaction ratings.

Employee climate surveys can increase performance. This is necessary during periods of decreased productivity, for organizations facing budget constraints and recent restructuring. They can be administered generally anytime management believes organizational/people productivity should be improved. If there are specific reasons for low productivity, such as loss of market share, increases in customer complaints, an increase in quality concerns, high staff turnover or poor communication, an employee climate survey can help identify possible solutions to these problems.

Use employee climate surveys as a valuable tool when there are changes in the status quo. Changes such as a reorganization of the company, an introduction of a new product or service, a change in policies or procedures, or a period of rapid change merit the institution of a survey. The survey will aid the company in learning to work and communicate with employees to insure that the results of these changes are positive. Climate surveys give employees a voice to assist in making these transitions as smooth as possible.

If you want help in conducting an employee climate survey for your organization, please contact Gary Gzik at ggzik@bizxcel.com or 1 866 905-2228 ext 108.