The types of questions you include in an employee evaluation survey should depend solely on the organizational culture you want to build.Â
As Survicate, we propose:Â
1. How would you assess (an employee's) quality of work?
This employee evaluation survey question can provide valuable insights into how the team is functioning as a whole. Peer feedback can also help identify areas of improvement and promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
However, while analyzing the responses, it's important to approach this type of feedback with caution and to ensure that it is done in a constructive and supportive manner: Team members should be encouraged to provide specific examples of both positive and negative behaviors and to offer suggestions for improvement.
Also, you want to ensure that the feedback is anonymous, to avoid any potential conflicts or negative feelings between team members.Â
Additionally, the feedback should be used as a starting point for further discussion and not as the sole basis for performance evaluations or decisions.
2. How would you assess (an employee's) ability to cooperate?
Cooperation is a key aspect of teamwork and can greatly impact a team's success. By asking team members to provide feedback on their peers' ability to cooperate, you can gain insights into how the team is functioning as a whole, identify areas for improvement, and foster a culture of collaboration and teamwork.
The ability to cooperate is also valuable in individual team members and management. It is essential for effective teamwork and successful project outcomes.Â
Cooperation involves:
- Working collaboratively with others
- Actively listening to different perspectives
- Finding ways to achieve common goals
In a team setting, inspiring cooperation is crucial as it promotes a positive and supportive environment where team members can work together effectively. It helps you avoid toxic competitiveness that harms the outcomes of the teamwork. Â
In management, cooperation is equally important. Managers who possess strong cooperation skills can work collaboratively with their team members, delegate tasks effectively, and get the best out of their team. They are also better able to build strong relationships with team members and other stakeholders, which can help to facilitate cooperation and promote a positive team culture.
Make sure you include this question in a survey evaluating both team members and managers.Â
3. How would you assess (an employee's) problem-solving skills?
This question is a must-have of an employee evaluation survey for several reasons:
1. Improved productivity
When employees are skilled at problem-solving, they can identify and address issues more efficiently. This can help to reduce downtime, improve workflow, and increase productivity.
‍2. Better decision-making
Great problem solvers can evaluate different options and make informed decisions based on data and evidence. This leads to better outcomes and more successful projects.
‍3. Innovation
To solve problems effectively, it's often necessary to engage in creative thinking and innovative approaches. Skilled problem-solvers can generate fresh and imaginative ideas to address challenges by thinking beyond traditional methods.
Overall, solving problems is a critical skill in the workplace. It leads to improved productivity, better decision-making, and innovation.
4. How would you assess (an employee's) proactiveness?
Asking about an employee's ability to be proactive can provide valuable insights into a team member's initiative, drive, and willingness to take on new challenges. We've included it in our employee evaluation survey template to help you:‍
1. Identify potential leaders
Employees who are proactive and take the initiative to solve problems and drive projects forward may be strong candidates for leadership roles in the future. Asking about an employee's ability to be proactive can help to identify these individuals and provide opportunities for further development.
‍2. Increase productivity
Proactive employees are often able to identify issues and opportunities before they become problems. This can prevent delays and increase productivity by addressing issues before they can impact the work.
3. Encourage innovation
Employees who are proactive are often more likely to seek out new ideas and approaches to solving problems. By asking this question in a performance evaluation survey, you can encourage a culture of innovation and creativity within the organization.
Overall, asking about an employee's ability to be proactive can provide valuable insights into their work style, attitude, and potential for growth and development. This information can be used to support career development, improve productivity, and foster a culture of innovation and creativity within the organization.
5. How would you assess (an employee's) ability to adapt to changing priorities?
This survey question is a must, especially for start-ups. Start-ups are fast-paced, constantly evolving environments, which means priorities can shift rapidly.
By ensuring your team members can adapt to changing priorities, you can:
1. Resource constraints
As a start-up, you typically have limited resources, including time, money, and personnel. Adapting to changing priorities allows start-ups to allocate these resources more effectively and efficiently.
2. Meeting investor expectations
Investors tend to have high expectations for growth. Oftentimes, start-up founders feel pressured by them to drive growth at a fast pace. This contributes to volatile company cultures, where adjusting to shifting priorities is vital to achieving goals and coping with stress.Â
3. Responding to market changes
Start-ups are often trying to disrupt existing markets or create new ones. Adapting to changing priorities allows start-ups to respond quickly to market changes and stay ahead of the competition.