Employee Pulse Survey Questions To Ask

What is a pulse survey

Pulse surveys are short, frequent surveys meant to “take the pulse” of an organization. They essentially entail gauging employee sentiment and engagement. These surveys are typically much shorter and easier to complete than annual engagement surveys; employees typically receive them fortnightly, monthly, or quarterly.

HR teams often use pulse surveys to gain real-time feedback, pinpoint areas for improvement, promote open communication, and help their companies respond more promptly to pressing issues.

Why are pulse surveys important

Improved employee engagement
Identifying areas for intervention
A culture of open communication
Data-driven informed HR decisions
Long-term employee satisfaction and organizational success

Pulse survey questions

🔷 Pulse survey on work-life balance

Pulse survey questions on work-life balance can help determine if employees have enough time off and feel happy at work.

On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with your work-life balance?
Your manager and team provide enough support to help you manage your workload (strongly disagree, disagree, neutral, agree, or strongly agree).
How often do you feel overwhelmed at work (rarely, seldom, sometimes, often, or almost always)?
What policies can we offer to ensure a healthier work-life balance?
Do your managers encourage you to use your allocated time off (yes or no)?
You can normally disconnect from work and relax after office hours (strongly disagree, disagree, neutral, agree, or strongly agree).

🔷 Pulse survey on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Pulse survey questions on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) help determine whether everyone feels a sense of inclusion and belonging at work. It can also highlight any inequitable practices, especially regarding compensation and benefits.

Do you think your workplace environment supports and nurtures diverse employees? Why or why not?
Do you believe every employee receives equal opportunities at the organization (yes or no)?
On a scale of 1-5, how valued and heard do you feel at work?
The company’s onboarding process made you feel welcome and included (strongly disagree, disagree, neutral, agree, or strongly agree).
Do you feel a sense of belonging at this organization? Why or why not?
New, diverse employees will feel welcomed and safe at the organization (strongly disagree, disagree, neutral, agree, or strongly agree).

🔷 Pulse survey on compensation and benefits

These pulse survey questions can reveal how satisfied your workforce is with their compensation packages and give you insight into how your organization can improve them.

Do you think your compensation and benefits package adequately compensate you for your workload and responsibilities? Why or why not?
The organization’s perks and benefits meet your expectations (strongly disagree, disagree, neutral, agree, or strongly agree).
Given the option, would you prefer more benefits or higher pay?
What specific benefit would make a significant difference to you?
Do you think the company’s compensation and benefits adequately reward exceptional performance?
On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with your current compensation and benefits package?

🔷 Pulse survey on leadership and management

Survey questions on leadership and management help you develop more effective leaders, which can boost employee satisfaction and retention and meet organizational goals.

You feel comfortable expressing opinions and giving honest feedback to your managers (strongly disagree, disagree, neutral, agree, or strongly agree).
Do you receive actionable and constructive feedback from your managers (yes or no)?
What would you like to see leadership and management do differently and why?
On a scale of 1-5, how likely are you to recommend this company to others as a great place to work?
Do the leaders of this organization display strong ethics? Why or why not?
Your manager effectively communicates their expectations and goals (strongly disagree, disagree, neutral, agree, or strongly agree).

🔷 Pulse survey on company culture

These pulse survey questions can help you understand your current company culture and identify areas for improvement.

Do you feel proud to work for this company? Why or why not?
Do your personal values align with the company’s vision and mission?
On a scale of 1-5, how positive and conducive is the current work environment to your success?
What improvements to the company culture do you think are necessary?
You feel connected to the company’s values and mission (strongly disagree, disagree, neutral, agree, or strongly agree).
Do team dynamics support innovation and collaboration at this organization? Why or why not?

🔷 Pulse survey on career goals and professional growth

Asking employees questions about their career goals and professional development helps determine if they can see a future with the company if they have the resources needed to advance, and what you can do to support them.

On a scale of 1-5, how well do you feel your current role aligns with your long-term career goals?
Are you given sufficient opportunities to learn and develop your skills at work (yes or no)?
Does your manager support your career goals and development (yes or no)?
What learning and development opportunities would you like the organization to offer to support your career goals?
On a scale of 1-5, how interested are you in mentorship opportunities at work?
Do you have a clear understanding of what is required to advance to the next level in your career (yes or no)?
Do you understand how your career goals align with the organization’s broader goals (yes or no)?

How to use HR engagement for organisational success

To improve employee engagement and organisational progress, you need to develop a culture of trust, communication and recognition, while aligning employee goals with company goals.

In the course Talent Managment. You will learn how to create an environment for a positive talent experience and how to retain talent in diverse teams over the long term.

And if you need to pump yourself up to conduct surveys effectively, welcome to the Conducting Company Surveys course.