Running an employee engagement survey is a great step but it’s just the beginning. The real magic happens after the survey results come in.
Too often, organizations invest in collecting feedback, only for it to sit in a report somewhere, untouched. But here’s the thing; asking for input and doing nothing with it does more harm than good. It signals to employees that their voices don’t matter, which can increase disengagement and erode trust.
So, what should happen after the survey? Let’s break it down.
1. Acknowledge and Communicate the Results
Your employees took the time to give honest feedback, acknowledge that. Share key findings, even if some of them are uncomfortable. Transparency builds trust and shows that leadership is listening.
Tip: Don’t spin the results. Be honest. Celebrate the wins and own the challenges.
2. Prioritize the Right Issues
You can’t fix everything at once—and you shouldn’t try to. Focus on the issues that matter most to your people and have the biggest impact on engagement and performance.
Look for themes:
- Is there a communication gap between leadership and staff?
- Are people feeling undervalued?
- Is workload a recurring concern?
Use the data to guide meaningful action, not surface-level fixes.
3. Involve Your People in the Solutions
One of the most powerful things you can do is invite employees into the solution process. Ask them for ideas. Co-create action plans. When employees are part of the change, they’re more likely to support it—and stick around to see it through.
4. Take Action and Be Visible About It
Even small, visible changes can go a long way. Whether it’s improving how team meetings are run or recognizing top performers more often, make sure employees can see that their feedback led to change.
Remember: “You said, we did” is a simple but powerful message.
5. Measure and Repeat
The cycle doesn’t end with one round of action. Track progress, keep the conversation open, and check in regularly, through pulse surveys or informal feedback. Engagement is ongoing, not one-and-done.
Why This Matters
Taking action on engagement survey results shows your people that they matter, and when employees feel heard and valued, they show up with more energy, loyalty, and commitment.
At Reeds Africa Consult, we help organizations move from feedback to action. Our Employee Engagement Survey Service doesn’t just collect data; we work with you to turn insights into strategies that transform workplace culture.