Companies that use structured employee feedback systems are more agile when it comes to implementing improvements and growing. Technology is allowing companies to implement real-time feedback systems that provide a holistic approach to gathering employee insights. Adopting a feedback system can foster better employee engagement and satisfaction if it is done correctly. Here is a closer look at employee feedback systems and how they can impact business performance.
Why Employee Feedback Matters
Employee feedback helps foster a culture of trust within the workplace. When employees know that their feedback is heard and acted upon, they'll become more invested in the company. This will improve performance, increase retention, and continue the development of trust. You'll also identify new ways to improve business processes and streamline operations when the entire team can leave feedback.
Stagnation is one of the first consequences if you avoid collecting feedback. Things can spiral further out of your control after that. If employees don't feel like they can bring up valid criticisms, resentment will grow in the workplace, retention will suffer, and it will cost you through lost productivity.
Best Practices for Employee Feedback Systems
Create a Safe Feedback Environment
For employees to embrace a feedback system, they need to know that they won't face retaliation for leaving constructive criticism. The goal is to foster trust to the point where employees are eager to let you know if something is wrong or needs improvement. You may need to implement a feedback system that ensures anonymity for employees.
Set Clear Objectives
Before you even survey your employees, figure out what insights you want to gather and why. Keep questions narrowly focused so that the feedback you receive is relevant to the objectives you've set.
Choose the Right Channels
There's not a one-size-fits-all method that will work for every organization. Choose the feedback channels that your workforce will be most likely to embrace. Conducting regular pen-and-paper surveys and one-on-one meetings might work for one business. Digital tools might be a great choice for others. The tried-and-true anonymous suggestion box is another option.
Provide Training for Managers
Your managers have to be part of the process when it comes to employee feedback best practices. Provide them with the necessary training to know how to solicit feedback and how frequently. You should also establish procedures for acting on feedback effectively.
Tools and Techniques for Effective Feedback Collection
Employee Feedback Software Solutions
Digital feedback collection techniques offer some great variety and utility. Real-time feedback apps are extremely common in gathering input from customers on products and services, but they can also be applied to employees. Pulse surveys of your workforce on a monthly or quarterly basis are quick and easy to implement. These short surveys can provide ongoing actionable data. Digital platforms can also offer employees anonymity when they use them.
Structured Feedback Models
The SBI model (Situation-Behavior-Impact) provides a framework for gathering feedback based on objective, factual situations. This model provides a structured way to collect feedback without it turning into an employee "gripe session." These surveys focus on concrete details, so they are less likely to trigger defensiveness among employees.
The 360-degree feedback model allows you to collect well-rounded insights. As the name suggests, the feedback comes from every direction -- peers, managers, and subordinates. The data gathered in the 360-degree feedback model allows for robust analysis when it comes to actionable items.
Regularly Scheduled Feedback Opportunities
Providing employees with regular opportunities to offer their insights will help to foster a culture of feedback in a company. These types of opportunities should happen at least twice a year in the workplace, although quarterly is better. Quarterly reviews and employee satisfaction surveys are good ways to keep employees engaged and looking for ways to improve operations. Town hall-style meetings can make feedback a team effort where everyone is encouraged to participate.
How to Act on Feedback
Employee feedback systems are only as effective as your ability to act on suggestions. The reality is that not all feedback is necessarily important. Focus on actionable and impactful suggestions, rather than the frivolous ones or suggestions that are too individualized to make a difference organization-wide.
When you implement changes based on feedback, communicate with your workforce about it. Let employees know how their feedback is being addressed.
Over time, you should be able to establish a feedback loop. Following up on improvements and measuring results should be a continuous process.
Conclusion
Companies that adopt employee feedback systems are faster and more effective at implementing positive changes. This can have a major impact on your bottom line. Identifying your objectives and familiarizing yourself with the advantages of different feedback systems will help you choose the right one for your organization.
Start creating a culture of feedback today with Affiliated HR and Payroll. Contact us to learn more about our HR solutions.