The Essential Questions for an Employee Satisfaction Survey: Scientifically Based Examples

One of the most effective ways to understand the satisfaction and well-being of your employees is through an employee satisfaction survey (MTO). The strength of such research, however, lies in the quality of the questions you ask. Formulating scientifically based questions is crucial to collect reliable and valuable data that really helps your organization move forward.

Designing such a study requires accuracy, especially when formulating the questions. This blog highlights the essential aspects of preparing questions for an employee satisfaction survey, focusing on open questions, closed questions, and the balance between the two.

Why Scientifically Based Questions?

The success of an employee satisfaction survey depends on the scientific validity of the questions. Scientifically validated questions ensure that answers are objective, measurable and free of bias. This gives you, as an organization, an accurate picture of the real situation within your company. When you make decisions, you naturally want to do this on the basis of correct information. Unvalidated questions can lead to distorted results, causing you to act on the wrong assumptions.

‍

1. Open Questions:

Open questions give employees the freedom to share their thoughts and experiences extensively. This type of question is particularly valuable for uncovering deeper insights and uncovering unforeseen problems.

• Example: “What would you change about how your team is managed?”

• Scientific Substantiation: This question is neutral and leaves room for various answers, minimizing the risk of bias.

2. Closed Questions:

Closed questions are ideal for collecting quantitative data that is easy to analyze. This type of question helps you discover patterns and connect numbers to specific aspects of the work experience.

• Example: “How satisfied are you with your current role on a scale of 1 to 10?”

• Scientific Substantiation: This question is specific and measurable, which is crucial for obtaining reliable data.

The challenge of formulating valid questions yourself

Creating scientifically valid questions yourself requires in-depth knowledge of research methodologies and experience with statistical analysis. Many organizations underestimate the complexity of this task, resulting in data that does not accurately reflect actual employee satisfaction. Developing such questions goes beyond simple wording; it requires an understanding of psychometric principles and experience in avoiding common pitfalls such as leading, ambiguous, or overloaded questions.

Practical Tips for Formulating Questions

If you still want to get started yourself, that is of course also possible. Please note that preparing questions for an employee satisfaction survey requires care and insight into research methodology. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Be Specific

Make sure each question serves a clear purpose and focuses on a specific aspect of the work experience.

Avoid Jargon

Use simple and clear language to ensure that all employees understand the questions, regardless of their role or educational level.

Keep it Short

Long questions can be confusing and lead to inaccurate answers. Limit the length of your questions to improve response.

The Role of Anonymity in Reliable Responses

Anonymity plays a crucial role in getting honest and reliable answers. Employees must be able to trust that their feedback will be kept confidential. This encourages them to be open and honest in their responses, which improves the quality of the data collected.

Tips for Ensuring Anonymity:

• Communicate Clearly: Explicitly state that the survey is anonymous and that answers cannot be traced back to individuals.

• Use Technology: Use anonymous survey platforms such as Deepler that ensure respondents' anonymity.

Example Questionnaire for an MTO

A well-designed questionnaire for an employee satisfaction survey contains a mix of open and closed questions. Below is an example of a questionnaire that you can use:

1. Open Question: “What do you love most about your workplace?”

2. Closed Question: “On a scale of 1 to 10, how well do you feel supported by your supervisor?”

3. Open Question: “What changes would you like to see in our work environment?”

4. Closed Question: “How satisfied are you with the work-life balance?”

Solution by Deepler

When it comes to preparing a scientifically based employee satisfaction survey, Deepler offers the perfect solution. Our platforms include validated questionnaires that are designed to collect reliable and actionable data. By using Deepler's expertise, you not only save time, but also ensure that your research results are based on solid scientific principles.

Conclusion

Asking the right questions in an employee satisfaction survey is an art in itself. By using scientifically validated questions, you ensure reliable and useful results that help your organization move forward. Curious about how Deepler can help you set up a successful MTO? Check out our solutions and contact us for a demo.

Would you like to know more about setting up an effective employee satisfaction survey? Contact us for a free demo of our science-based software.

‍