Frequent Employee Surveys Linked to Significant HR Improvements, Research Shows

According to new research from Workbuzz and HR.com's HR Research Institute, enhancing employee engagement and experience is currently the foremost priority among HR professionals. This focus doesn't exist in isolation, as HR leaders also prioritize boosting worker productivity, attracting top talent, fostering a positive organizational culture, and promoting employee well-being.

The research demonstrates that better communication plays a crucial role in addressing these HR priorities, particularly focusing on survey frequency and communication with frontline workers who are typically harder to reach due to lack of designated offices and computers. The study reveals a positive correlation between the frequency of employee surveys and organizational success in key HR areas.

Companies conducting surveys at least quarterly report significantly greater improvements across multiple metrics. Retention rates show a dramatic difference at 53% versus 21% for those surveying less frequently. Talent attraction improvements reach 58% compared to 27% for infrequent surveyors. Productivity and performance see 62% improvement versus 30%, while diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives achieve 64% improvement compared to 43%.

The study also found that organizations reporting increased employee experience and engagement levels over the last year are much more likely to find it easy or very easy to communicate with frontline workers (70% versus 20%). This indicates that better communication may help drive improvements among other top HR priorities.

Debbie McGrath, Chief Instigator and CEO of HR.com, emphasized that employee engagement and communication are more than just buzzwords; they represent a cornerstone of organizational success. Organizations that prioritize these elements not only retain top talent better but also see measurable improvements in productivity and overall performance.

Ryan Tahmassebi, People Science Director at WorkBuzz, added that annual surveys are a start but insufficient in today's fast-paced workplace. Organizations creating real-time feedback loops and maintaining open communication channels are better equipped to respond to employee needs and drive engagement effectively.

The full research report, Trends in Employee Engagement 24/25, offers a detailed examination of engagement practices and strategies, providing actionable insights to help HR practitioners and leaders develop more sophisticated approaches that meet future workforce needs.