How a pulse survey works
HR picks a few questions, some repeated every time to show a trend and one or two on a current topic, such as a new shift pattern or an office move. The survey goes out by email, app or a printed form, stays open for a few days and takes under five minutes. Results are grouped by team, and no group smaller than about five people is shown, so answers stay anonymous. HR shares the results and any actions within two weeks, before the next pulse goes out.
Pulse survey vs annual engagement survey
An annual survey is long and broad. It gives a full picture once a year, but results can be months old by the time actions start. A pulse survey is narrow and fast, showing whether things are getting better or worse and how people reacted to a specific change. A common pattern is one annual survey with three or four pulses in between, using the same core questions so trends can be compared.
Running pulses without survey fatigue
For a quick check on a single question, a poll can be enough. ZeniaHR's Company Wall supports polls with single or multiple choice, an anonymous option and a closing time, shared with the whole company or with chosen branches or departments.
- Keep it under ten questions and under five minutes
- Repeat a few core questions so trends show up
- Share results and one action before the next pulse
- Make it anonymous and say so clearly
- Offer it in the languages your workforce reads
See it on your own data
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Book a free demoSee pricingFrequently asked questions
How often should you run a pulse survey?
Monthly or quarterly is a practical rhythm. Monthly suits fast-changing situations such as a new roster, a merger or an office move, while quarterly is enough for tracking steady trends. The rule is to share results and act before sending the next one; if you cannot act monthly, survey less often.
What questions should be in a pulse survey?
Use a few core questions that you repeat every time, such as 'I would recommend this company as a place to work' and 'My manager supports me', plus one or two on a current topic, such as a new policy or roster. Add one open question asking which single change would help the employee most.