Many dealerships find themselves at a crossroads in the pursuit of improving the workplace environment. Faced with high turnovers and low staff morale, the initial inclination might be to introduce a new-hire incentive or employee recognition program. However, recognizing the need for a more comprehensive understanding of true employees' sentiments, many dealership leaders opt for a different approach – employee engagement surveys.
This blog post takes you on our journey of introspection and improvement. The decision to seek genuine feedback from your team is motivated by the desire to pinpoint areas for enhancement directly from those who experience the day-to-day intricacies of your dealership's operations. However, here's a challenge we often face – lackluster enthusiasm for employee surveys.
It's like having a powerful engine without fuel. Hence, employees miss opportunities for growth and improvement due to low participation. Here at SATISFYFD, we have seen first-hand the transformative power of employee engagement surveys, exploring the insights gained, the challenges addressed, and the positive changes set in motion by the invaluable feedback received. That's why we want to share eight proven strategies that not only refuel the survey process but also supercharge it for our customers.
Survey Success: 8 Proven Methods to Increase Employee Participation in Engagement Surveys
1. Recognition and Appreciation:
Let's start with the fundamental fuel – recognition and appreciation. Implementing a program where employees actively participating in surveys receive acknowledgment tailored to their preferences. Whether it's a personal note from the CEO, a shoutout in a meeting, or another personalized form of recognition, this boosts morale and turns surveys into a platform for individual appreciation.
2. Small Rewards and Prizes:
Who doesn't love a little extra something for a job well done? Tangible incentives like gift cards, merchandise, or even a small bonus for completing surveys can make a significant impact. Align these rewards with specific completion rates to create a sense of achievement. Picture your team proudly sporting dealership apparel or enjoying a cold drink from a Yeti cooler they earned – that's the kind of motivation that gets surveys filled out promptly.
Customer Insight: Great Dane, the manufacturer of trucks and trailers, has seen impressive outcomes from its employee rewards program, which includes apparel merchandise.
3. Location-Based Competitions:
Humans are inherently competitive - so more in this industry, so that's a trait you can leverage. Organize team-based competitions by location, setting goals for survey completion rates. When teams meet or exceed these targets, reward the entire team. This not only fosters healthy competition but also promotes teamwork and collaboration.
4. Professional Development Opportunities:
Now, let's steer toward growth. Professional development opportunities can be a potent incentive for survey participation. Whether it's workshops, courses, or industry conferences, the promise of personal and professional growth adds another layer of motivation. It's not just about surveys; it's about investing in the continuous development of your valuable team.
5. Impactful Changes Based on Feedback:
Your employees want to know that their voices are heard. Demonstrate the impact of their feedback by implementing tangible improvements based on survey results. Communicate these changes, giving credit to the employees whose input led to positive transformations. When your team sees that their opinions drive real change, they'll be eager to contribute in future surveys.
Customer Insight: Lakeside International Trucks used employee feedback to modify their PTO program. Not only did they explain the reasons behind the change to their employees, but the impact was also evident as the employee satisfaction scores of the next round of surveys significantly improved.
6. Social Events and Celebrations:
Make the survey process an event to look forward to. Plan social events or celebrations for the entire team before the survey period starts or after meeting survey goals. Whether it's a pizza party, team lunch, or a fun outing, these events create a positive and enjoyable survey experience. Turn the survey process into a celebration, and watch participation soar.
Customer Insight: One of our dealerships witnessed a surge in survey completion by 38%. What did they do to achieve such results? A pizza party! It's amazing how effective this simple gesture can be.
7. Leadership Engagement:
Leadership sets the tone for the entire organization. Encourage leaders and managers to actively participate in surveys and visibly communicate the importance of employee feedback. Consider introducing an "I did the survey" sticker for leaders, creating a visual reminder of their commitment. When employees see that leadership values their input, they're more likely to engage in the survey process.
8. Mystery Rewards:
Everyone loves a good surprise. Introduce mystery rewards for employees who complete surveys promptly or exceed participation expectations. This could be a spontaneous bonus, a gift card, or even a well-timed day off. It's not just about the reward but the unexpected joy that comes with exceeding expectations.
Boosting Employee Excitement for Surveys in Your Dealership: You Hold the Key!
These eight strategies can transform your employee survey process from a routine task into a dynamic and eagerly anticipated opportunity for growth and collaboration.
Want to take it a step further? Check out SATISFYD’s Voice of Employee program – a comprehensive solution to elevate your employee feedback game. Our tailored solution empowers you with the tools to assess and improve employee engagement, offering insights to enhance business processes, reduce turnover, and create a stronger, more aligned workplace.
It's not just about surveys; it's about empowering your team and elevating your dealership to new heights. Start today, and watch your workplace thrive. Your team deserves it!
