By: Aase B. Sollid
From measurement to development
Employee surveys have been used since the mid-20th century to map the work environment and support development and well-being. In Norway, their use gained momentum in the 1990s, in line with an increased focus on participation and a good psychosocial work environment.
According to the Working Environment Act, the working environment must be systematically surveyed. Employee surveys are a valuable tool in this work – but to provide real value, they must be used wisely.
Measurement itself is not enough. It is in the follow-up and dialogue that meaning is created – and development occurs.
The annual survey – still relevant
An annual survey can provide a comprehensive picture, support documentation requirements and make it possible to follow developments over time. At the same time, experience has shown that value is weakened if the results are not followed up, or if employees do not feel that their input leads to action.
Therefore, many are looking for complementary methods that can provide closer follow-up and more nuanced insight.
New opportunities – same goal
Heart rate measurements, digital tools and dialogue-based approaches provides new opportunities to collect and use feedback:
- Heart rate measurements provides frequent insights, but requires deliberate use to avoid “survey fatigue.”.
- Digital solutions can lower the threshold for providing input, but requires analysis and follow-up.
- Dialogue-based methods promotes relational security, but is often more difficult to document.
The point is not to replace one method with another, but to find the right combination for the business's needs.
Relationships in the city center
Good relationships are a key factor for well-being, performance and the ability to change. Employee surveys should therefore not be seen as a control tool, but as a starting point for dialogue.
Organizations with high relationship capital – characterized by trust and openness – are stronger in the face of changes and challenges.
The way forward
In a time of rapid change and increased focus on the psychosocial work environment, it can be useful to supplement annual surveys with more relational and ongoing measures. When employees feel listened to and followed up, surveys become a powerful tool for development and community.
What can we contribute?
At BUHR, we help businesses find the right balance between structure and relationship, between data and dialogue. We assist in the selection and development of tools, and ensure that processes actually create value – not just data.
Because ultimately it's not just about measuring, but about understanding, developing – and building trust.
