12-Question Test Proposed For Gauging Employee Satisfaction

Jan. 13, 2005
By Michael A. Verespej With low unemployment and the scramble for workers, companies are trying everything from sign-on bonuses to flexible work schedules to find and retain workers. But they might be best served by having their current employees take ...
ByMichael A. Verespej With low unemployment and the scramble for workers, companies are trying everything from sign-on bonuses to flexible work schedules to find and retain workers. But they might be best served by having their current employees take a simple, 12-question test, says Marcus Buckingham, a senior consultant with the Gallup Organization who has spent the last 10 years on assignments to help companies find talented employees. Buckingham told senior human-resource managers at the Human Resource Planning Society forum in Scottsdale, Ariz., last month that companies - which were surveyed by Gallup -- that finished in the highest quartile with positive responses to the test were 50% more likely to have reduced turnover; 56% more likely to have customer loyalty; 38% more likely to have greater productivity; and 26% more likely to have greater profitability. Here are the 12 questions:
  • Do I know what is expected of me at work?
  • Do I have the materials and equipment I need to do my work right?
  • Do I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day?
  • In the last seven days have I received praise or recognition for good work?
  • Does my supervisor or someone at work seem to care about me as a person?
  • Is there someone at work who encourages my development?
  • At work, do my opinions seem to count?
  • Does the mission/purpose of my company make me feel my job is important?
  • Are my associates committed to quality work?
  • Do I have a best friend at work?
  • In the last six months, has someone talked with me about my progress at work?
  • In the last year, have I had the opportunities at work to learn and grow? "The secret to success, " says Buckingham, "is finding great managers who can engage their employees to strongly agree with these values."
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