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Employee Satisfaction Survey

A comprehensive guide to creating an employee satisfaction survey.
By Paul Peters, Updated Feb 15, 2024
Coworkers talking at a conference table

An employee satisfaction survey is a list of questions employers send to employees in order to gain helpful insights into their happiness and level of engagement at work. Results from an employee satisfaction survey helps employers identify ways to improve employee satisfaction, company culture, and productivity.

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Employee Satisfaction Survey Template

20 questions for your employees that will help you gauge their sense of satisfaction.

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How do you get employees to complete surveys?

  • Promote the survey internally.
  • Keep it as simple and as short as possible.
  • Make it clear that it is anonymous.
  • Ensure open and honest communication of the results.
  • Explain how it will be used to improve satisfaction.
  • Bring leadership on board.

Employee Satisfaction Survey Template:

[Company name] Employee Satisfaction Survey

We here at [company name] take our employees' overall satisfaction very seriously. We want you to be happy working here, and we want you to feel fully engaged with the work you do for us. This employee satisfaction survey is one way in which the company can get a better sense of your level of satisfaction with us, and the results will help us identify areas of improvement.

This survey is completely anonymous, so please be perfectly honest with your answers.

Simply write in the space provided a number between 1 and 5 that best describes how much you agree or disagree with the statement, 1 being "strongly disagree" and 5 being "strongly agree".

Compensation.

  1. I am satisfied with my overall compensation package.

  2. I am compensated fairly for the work I do.

  3. Performance reviews are fair.

  4. There are enough opportunities for promotion.

Benefits.

  1. I am satisfied with the company benefits, including insurance and bonuses.

  2. I am happy with my retirement package.

  3. The amount of time off I get is fair.

  4. Family responsibilities are acknowledged and supported.

Career.

  1. I find my work meaningful and challenging.

  2. I see room for career growth in the company.

  3. Feedback is helpful and fair.

  4. I get enough skills development and training.

Work Environment.

  1. My superiors communicate effectively.

  2. I feel valued for my contribution.

  3. I am happy with my work-life balance.

  4. I have all the tools and technologies needed to do my job well.

Culture.

  1. I enjoy the company culture.

  2. Work is spread evenly across my team.

  3. The purpose and mission of the company inspire me.

  4. I would recommend the company as a good place to work.

What do you do with survey results?

  • Communicate them to your employees.
  • Discuss possible areas of improvement.
  • Make a plan of action.
  • Implement the plan.
  • Check-in with employees after implementation.
  • Repeat the process.
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FAQs:

What does employee satisfaction mean?

The term employee satisfaction describes the level of happiness and fulfillment an employee feels working where they do.

How do you evaluate employee satisfaction?

Other than an employee satisfaction survey, there are a number of ways to find out how happy and fulfilled your employees are. You could have an employee suggestion box in the office, schedule one-on-one interviews and employee performance reviews, and you could host team building days where people are encouraged to be open and direct about what they need from their workplace.

What are some good questions for a short employee satisfaction survey?

  • Are you happy with your compensation package?
  • Do you feel you have enough opportunities for promotion?
  • Do you find your work meaningful and challenging?
  • Are you getting the acknowledgment you need?
  • Do you feel valued for your contribution?
  • Do you enjoy the company culture?
  • Would you recommend this company to a friend who is looking for work?
  • Are you proud to be a part of this company?

What causes job satisfaction?

There are a number of factors that contribute to a sense of job satisfaction. Salary, benefits, collaboration, recognition, career and skills development opportunities, positive work environment, and meaningful work, are some of these factors.

What are the benefits of job satisfaction?

Job satisfaction leads to improved employee engagement and greater productivity but also reduces employee turn-over, conflict, and absenteeism.

How does job satisfaction affect employee performance?

Employees with higher levels of job satisfaction tend to feel a greater sense of responsibility in being productive, are more likely to take fewer days off, and are emotionally invested in the company's efforts to reach its own goals.

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