What Are Examples of Employee Survey Feedback?

Employee survey feedback can include praise for good management, or suggestions for improvement. Hearing from your staff about their experience helps you better understand your team’s perspective and pinpoint areas that might need some extra attention or improvement.

But how do you get your hands on these valuable insights—especially when your employees are on a factory floor, construction site, or other non-desk environments? These situations call for some clever employee survey distribution. You need a method that’s as mobile as your workforce, that can reach them on their terms.

Thankfully, most folks have a phone in their pocket, making it a perfect tool for reaching out. With the right approach, these phones can be your link to the thoughts and feelings of your employees. And once you’ve collected their feedback, an employee survey results template becomes an essential tool to sort and understand these responses. But before we dive into the analysis, let’s look at what type of feedback you might receive.

Understanding Non-Desk Employees

Non-desk employees aren't just numbers on a payroll—they're the individuals keeping your business moving forward without the luxury of a traditional office setup. Spanning sectors like construction, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, retail, and transportation, they operate in dynamic environments far removed from the typical desk and computer scene.

Despite being critical to nearly every industry, these workers often face unique hurdles:

• Limited Access to Traditional Communication Tools: Many don't have corporate email addresses or access to company intranets, making conventional communication channels ineffective.
• Communication Barriers: Relying on word-of-mouth or bulletin boards can turn vital messages into a game of "telephone," where the original intent gets lost in transmission.
• Lack of Engagement: With only 25% of non-desk workers actively engaged at work, according to a Gallup poll, there's a clear disconnect that needs addressing.

Ignoring these challenges doesn't just affect morale—it can impact safety, productivity, and ultimately, your bottom line.

The Role of Surveys in Communication

You've probably noticed that traditional communication methods aren't cutting it for your non-desk employees. That's where customized surveys step in, acting as a bridge over the communication gap.

Why Customized Surveys Matter

Standard surveys often miss the mark with non-desk workers. By tailoring questions to their specific roles and environments, you make the survey relevant and engaging. It's about meeting them where they are—both figuratively and literally.

Key Benefits

• Increased Engagement: When employees see that their opinions genuinely matter, engagement levels rise. A study by Talkfreely highlights how effective two-way communication fosters a sense of inclusion.
• Improved Safety Protocols: Frontline workers are your eyes and ears on the ground. Surveys can uncover hidden safety concerns, allowing you to address them before they escalate.
• Enhanced Job Satisfaction: Giving employees a voice leads to higher job satisfaction, which can reduce turnover and improve productivity.

By integrating customized surveys into your communication strategy, you're not just collecting data—you're empowering your workforce.

Common Types of Surveys and Their Timing

When designing an employee feedback strategy, it's essential to understand the different types of surveys available and when to deploy them. Each serves a unique purpose and can help organizations address specific concerns. Here are some common types of employee surveys and their recommended timing:

• Engagement Surveys (Quarterly): Measure overall job satisfaction, motivation, and commitment to the company’s mission. Conducted every three months, these provide a regular snapshot of employee sentiment.
• Pulse Surveys (Monthly/Biweekly): Short and frequent check-ins to assess morale and identify trends over time.
• Onboarding Surveys (First 30-90 Days): Gather insights from new employees about their initial experience and areas for improvement.
• Exit Surveys (Final Week of Employment): Understand why employees leave and what can be improved to reduce turnover.
• Diversity & Inclusion Surveys (Annually): Assess employees' sense of belonging and the inclusivity of workplace culture.
• Safety Surveys (Event-Driven/Regular Intervals): Identify potential hazards and assess employees’ perceptions of workplace safety measures.
• Training & Development Surveys (Post-Training): Determine if employees feel they have adequate opportunities to learn and grow within the company.

Maintaining a consistent survey schedule helps ensure that feedback remains timely and actionable. Choosing the right survey type ensures that the feedback you collect is relevant and leads to meaningful improvements.

What Are Some Examples of Positive Employee Survey Comments?

Positive feedback examples will often reflect satisfaction with management, safe working conditions, camaraderie with co-workers, or personal development opportunities. When employees are happy with their work, it shines through in their responses. 

Consider this: according to a Gallup study, the most engaged workplaces see far fewer safety incidents. That’s a big deal, especially in industries where safety is critical.

So, what does positive feedback look like? Here are a few examples:

• “I appreciate the safety measures put in place. They make it easy to do my job well.”
• “The management team listens to our concerns.”
• “I enjoy the strong sense of teamwork and cooperation in my jobs.”
• “I am grateful for all of the training provided to us.”

What Are Some Examples of Negative Comments?

Negative survey comments, on the other hand, shine a light on areas for improvement. Constructive criticism is vital to progress, and it’s important to treat these comments as opportunities for growth. Some constructive negative feedback examples could include:

• “Communication from management is rare and unclear.”
• “Our equipment is old, and frequently breaks down.”
• “There’s limited opportunity for career growth.”
• “Workplace safety procedures could be more thorough.”

Don’t view these comments as personal attacks. Instead, see them as stepping stones towards a better work environment. 

Designing Effective Employee Surveys

Crafting a survey that resonates with non-desk employees isn't just about the questions you ask—it's about how you ask them. Let's break down the essential components.

Workplace Satisfaction

Happy employees are productive employees.

• Key Considerations: Gauge their satisfaction with the work environment, tools, and relationships.
• Sample Questions:
• "On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with your current work environment?"
• "Do you have the necessary tools to perform your job effectively?"

Safety Feedback

Your frontline workers are best positioned to identify safety issues.

• Key Considerations: Assess their views on current safety measures and their comfort level in reporting concerns.
• Sample Questions:
• "Do you feel our safety procedures are adequate?"
• "Are you comfortable reporting safety concerns?"

Engagement and Morale

Understanding what motivates your employees can help improve morale.

• Key Considerations: Explore their sense of purpose and recognition.
• Sample Questions:
• "Do you feel your work contributes to our company's goals?"
• "How often do you receive recognition for your work?"

Training and Development Needs

Investing in your employees' growth pays dividends.

• Key Considerations: Identify skill gaps and preferred training methods.
• Sample Questions:
• "What skills would you like to develop further?"
• "How do you prefer to receive additional training?"

By focusing on these components, you're not just collecting feedback—you're showing your employees that you value their input and are committed to their well-being.

How Do You Analyze Employee Survey Results?

Analyzing survey results is like putting together a puzzle. You can’t get the full picture by merely looking at a few pieces. Each piece—or in this case, each comment—plays a part. To really understand results, you’ll  need to sort the responses into themes or categories like “communication,” “safety,” or “career development.”

Let’s say you’ve got a bunch of responses to a text message survey you sent out recently. Some folks are pleased with the teamwork at your company, while others might be frustrated with equipment issues. Don’t just count these comments. Go further. Try to understand why your employees feel this way. Is the team spirit due to regular team-building activities? Are the tools old because the budget hasn’t allowed for new ones?

And remember, don’t jump the gun based on a single comment. A single negative or positive comment isn’t indicative of a widespread issue or success. It’s the repeating sentiments that help you spot patterns and trends.

Best Practices for Implementing Employee Surveys

Successfully engaging your non-desk workforce through surveys requires more than just good questions. Here's how to make sure your surveys hit the mark.

Keep It Short and Simple

Your employees are busy. Respect their time by keeping surveys concise—aim for 5-10 minutes to complete. Use clear, straightforward language to ensure everyone understands what's being asked.

Make It Mobile-Friendly

Since non-desk employees are often on the move, ensure your surveys are easily accessible on mobile devices. Test your surveys on various devices to guarantee a smooth experience.

Choose the Right Time and Channel

Distribute surveys during times when employees are more likely to respond—perhaps during breaks or at shift changes. Use channels they're already comfortable with, like SMS.

Communicate the Purpose

Be transparent about why you're conducting the survey and how you'll use the results. This builds trust and encourages honest feedback.

Offer Incentives

Sometimes a small token of appreciation can boost participation rates. Consider offering modest rewards like gift cards or extra break time.

Analyze and Act on the Results

Don't let the data collect dust. Analyze the feedback for actionable insights and share your findings with the team. Most importantly, implement changes where needed to show your employees that their input matters.

Ensure Accessibility

Provide surveys in multiple formats, especially if language barriers exist. Use translations or offer assistance to those who might need it.

Ensure Anonymity and Confidentiality of Responses 

Employees are more likely to provide honest feedback if they feel their responses are anonymous. Assure them that their answers will remain confidential and will be used solely for improving the workplace environment.

By following these best practices, you're setting the stage for meaningful engagement and continuous improvement.

How Do You Discuss Survey Results?

Discussing survey results with your team can be tricky. The key is transparency and openness. Find fun ways to communicate survey results, like hosting a team BBQ or potluck where results are unveiled. You can even make it interactive. For example, you could organize a trivia game where employees guess statistics from the survey.

For workplaces that don’t gather often, consider incorporating the survey results into regular communications or meetings. You could print out colorful, easy-to-understand graphs and post them on bulletin boards or other common areas. For teams on-the-go, you could use Yourco to send bite-sized survey insights via text, directly to your employees’ mobile phones. This method keeps everyone informed, no matter where they are. 

Overall, the aim is to create an open dialogue with your employees, encourage their active participation in making improvements, and remind them that their opinions are valued.

Beyond Surveys: Engaging Employees in Strategic Conversations

While surveys provide valuable quantitative insights, they shouldn’t be the only tool in your employee engagement strategy. To gain a deeper understanding of workplace concerns, employers should initiate strategic conversations with employees. These discussions can provide richer, more nuanced feedback than surveys alone.

Here are some effective ways to foster in-depth conversations:

• Small Group Discussions: Organize focus groups where employees can share their thoughts in a relaxed, open environment.
• One-on-One Check-Ins: Regularly scheduled meetings between managers and employees allow for personalized feedback.
• Town Hall Meetings: Encourage open dialogue by allowing employees to ask leadership questions in real time.
• Anonymous Feedback Sessions: Provide a safe space for employees to voice concerns without fear of repercussions.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Facilitate discussions between different teams to break down silos and encourage new ideas.

By supplementing surveys with strategic conversations, companies can foster a culture of trust, transparency, and continuous improvement. This holistic approach ensures that employees feel truly heard, valued, and engaged in their workplace experience.

SMS-Based Solutions: A Focus on Yourco

You've recognized the need for better communication with your non-desk employees. Enter Yourco—a platform that leverages SMS to connect you with your team instantly.

Why SMS?

With 98% of texts read and 90% read within five minutes, SMS is a powerful tool for real-time communication. Yourco taps into this by delivering messages directly to any mobile device without the need for app downloads.

Key Features of Yourco

• Two-Way Messaging: Engage in real conversations with your employees.
• AI-Powered Translations: Communicate effectively in over 135 languages.
• Built-In Surveys and Polls: Gather feedback seamlessly.
• Secure Document Access: Share important documents confidently.

Advantages Over Traditional Apps

• Simplicity: No apps to download or learn.
• Accessibility: Works on any device capable of receiving texts.
• Integration: Syncs with over 240 platforms, keeping your data up to date.
• Cost-Effective: Reduces the need for expensive software or translation services.

Yourco isn't just a communication tool—it's a bridge connecting you directly to your non-desk employees in a way that's immediate and meaningful.

Yourco: Connecting Your Team, One Text at a Time

Ultimately, an engaged workforce is a productive one. Giving your employees a voice and actually listening to what they say is a surefire way to keep your team satisfied and your business thriving. The challenge lies in effectively distributing these team survey questions and encouraging participation, especially among non-desk workers.

With Yourco’s two-way texting platform, reaching your non-desk employees has never been easier. You can instantly send surveys straight to the phone in their pockets via SMS texting. And here’s the kicker—text messages have a read rate of 98%, far higher than emails, which only manage a 20% read rate. This means that by using Yourco to send your surveys via text, you’re likely to get more people taking part.

With Yourco, not only will you understand your employees’ opinions better, but they’ll feel more invested in their job. So let’s start connecting your team, one text at a time. Contact us to set up a demo, or  try it out for free today to discover how Yourco can transform your employee feedback process.