Dive Brief:

• Workplace surveys are happening all the time, but are they really delivering valuable data for employers when making HR decisions? It all depends, according to an article at the blog WomenofHR.
• As is the case with most HR tools, surveys can do more harm than good if not constructed and used properly, the article says.
• The main challenges for surveys usually involve their accuracy and construction, and whether or not employers actually act on the data the surveys gather.

Dive Insight:

First, the on the downside of surveys, the article offers these concerns: poor construction/word choices (non-effective data is sure to follow), unscientific sample choice, management push back (some may not like answering tough questions, even if anonymous), and no follow-through (the worst because surveys build expectations so no action will render them useless).

Among the obvious benefits: regular employee feedback on critical workforce issues, a move to accountability (gives managers data they need to be their best), improved communication with employees and finally, the potential to uncover problems/issues that may have festered if not rooted out via surveys.