A pulse survey can be used to measure the health of employees within an organization or work group. Typically, a pulse survey is focused, geared toward collecting data on a limited number of questions or gathering data from a limited number of employees. A pulse survey can produce a single statistic or measurement from which to track trends. The pulse survey can also provide a cost effective way to continually monitor the health of the organization over time by reducing the cost of an organization-wide research project or large scale surveys.

Types of Pulse Surveys

Snapshot
A "snapshot" pulse survey provides a picture in time of the opinions, thoughts and ideas of a given employee population. Managers can gain insight into trends, and differences or similarities among different groups. A "snapshot" pulse survey typically provides a single, quick measure to aid in a decision-making processes.

Performance Indicators
A "performance indicator" pulse survey is administered in between the full employee survey administration cycles to track movement on key performance indicators. Leaders can then make knowledgeable changes to their action plans that will positively impact employee engagement.

Follow up Survey
Many organizations conduct employee surveys on a regular basis, such as once a year or once every two years. The "follow up" pulse survey can provide additional information to specific actions taken as a result of the annual survey and can help organizational leaders determine if progress is being made on targeted action plans. The "follow up" pulse surveys serve as an interim check and allow leaders to change or redirect action planning efforts to better align with business outcomes.

Sample Survey
A "sample" pulse survey includes a sampling of questions from a larger survey that is administered to all employees or it can be a full survey administered to a sample of employees. A "sample" pulse survey is designed to gather information on a select set of items or with a representative sample of people. Sample surveys help you see if your action plans are on target. Pulse surveys help you refocus and regroup as an organization once decisions have been implemented

Pulse surveys can be targeted to reach specific groups of people at the right time with the right questions. They also provide a cost effective alternative when the need for information is critical but budgets are tight.