What is an MTO and why is it important for your organization?

An Employee Satisfaction Survey, often abbreviated as MTO, is a very useful tool for organizations that want to put their employees first. By regularly measuring employee satisfaction and engagement, companies can gain valuable insights that contribute to a positive work culture and improved performance. In this blog, we explain exactly what an MTO is, why it's so important, and how your organization can benefit from it.

What is an MTO?

An Employee Satisfaction Survey (MTO) is a structured survey that companies conduct to measure employee satisfaction, engagement, and overall work experience. This research provides a detailed overview of how employees think about their work environment, management, colleagues, and their own role within the company.

History and evolution of MTOs

MTOs were created in response to the increasing focus on human resources and employee well-being in the second half of the 20th century. What started as simple satisfaction surveys has evolved into complex and comprehensive studies that measure not only satisfaction, but also motivation, engagement, and happiness at work.

Examples of use

MTOs are widely used in various sectors, from healthcare to tech companies, and are particularly popular in organizations that strive for continuous improvement and innovation.

Why is an MTO important to your organization?

1. Increasing employee engagement

One of the biggest advantages of an MTO is that it opens a direct line of communication between employees and management. By asking specific questions about engagement, organizations can find out how much employees feel connected to their work and the organization as a whole.

Example questions in an MTO:

• “How much do you feel committed to the company's goals?”

• “Do you think you have sufficient say in decisions that influence your work?”

2. Improving happiness at work and satisfaction

MTOs help identify factors that contribute to happiness at work and employee well-being. Happy employees are more productive, less likely to get sick and have a higher level of loyalty to the company.

What does an MTO measure?

An MTO can cover many topics. An organization generally decides for itself what they want to measure. Many recurring themes include:

• Satisfaction with work-life balance
• Appreciation for the immediate manager
• Overall workplace satisfaction
• Salary and terms of employment

3. Strategic benefits for the organization

The data collected via an MTO can be used to inform strategic decisions. This can range from adjusting internal processes to improving communication and collaboration between teams.

Using MTO data:

• Analysis of trends in employee satisfaction over time

• Identification of bottlenecks that require rapid attention

• Benchmarking against sector standards

Is an MTO mandatory?

It is a frequently asked question whether an Employee Satisfaction Survey is mandatory for companies. In the Netherlands, an MTO is not required by law. However, it is highly recommended by HR experts and organizations that strive for a healthy and productive work culture.

Although there is no legal obligation, an MTO can be part of broader quality management systems, such as ISO certifications. In this context, carrying out an MTO can contribute to meeting certain standards for good employment and promoting the sustainable employability of employees.

Why an MTO is still worthwhile:

Preventing problems

By regularly measuring employee satisfaction, potential problems can be identified and addressed early.

Improved communication

Conducting an MTO shows that management values the opinions of employees, which can promote openness and trust.

Competitive advantage

Companies that regularly carry out and take action on MTOs often see improved employee satisfaction, which contributes to a positive reputation as an employer.

How do you run an MTO effectively?

Successfully executing an MTO requires a detailed plan, from preparation to follow-up. Below is a step-by-step plan for an effective MTO:

Step-by-step plan:

1. Preparation: Define the objectives of the MTO and develop relevant questions.

2. Outturn: Provide a user-friendly and anonymous survey environment.

3. Analysis: Collect data and use analytical tools to identify trends and insights.

4. Succession: Share results with the team and set up an action plan for improvement.

Tips:

• Ensure anonymity to ensure honest and open feedback.

• Choose the right time to send out the survey, for example after a major business change or at the end of a project.

Frequently Asked Questions about MTOs

1. What are the best questions for an MTO?

Choose questions that are specific to your organization's culture and goals. Focus on topics such as job satisfaction, engagement, and personal development.

2. How often does an MTO need to be performed?

Ideally, an MTO is performed annually to monitor trends over time. In case of major changes, an interim survey can be useful.

3. How do you ensure a high response to an MTO?

Communicate clearly about the importance of the MTO, and keep the survey short and relevant. Reward employees for participating, for example with a small incentive.

4. What do you do with the results of an MTO?

The results must be analysed and shared with employees. Create an action plan based on the findings and clearly communicate the next steps.

Conclusion

An MTO is more than just a study; it is a powerful tool for improving employee engagement and satisfaction. By regularly performing an MTO, your organization gets valuable insights that can lead to a more positive work culture and better business results. Want to know more about how an MTO can help your organization? Then contact us for personalized advice or a demo of our MTO software.

Do you want to know how Deepler can you help set up an effective MTO? Request a free demo now and discover the benefits of our AI-driven surveys.

‍