When organizations survey their employees and use the data to make positive workplace adjustments, they improve employee engagement, increase retention rates, lower absenteeism, and improve productivity.

When leadership conducts surveys, they signal their interest and commitment to employee wellbeing while gaining valuable insights into their employees’ workplace experience. If designed correctly, surveys provide valuable data on gender equality and social inclusion in the workplace and identify entry points to introduce gender equality initiatives.

Incorporating a gender lens into workplace surveys is critical for identifying the unique needs, skills, and experiences of men and women. For example, surveys enable companies to collect sex-disaggregated data that provides insight into employee perceptions of safety, inclusion, work-life balance, and flexibility.

This guide provides an overview of three types of workplace surveys:

1. Employee engagement surveys
2. Employee satisfaction surveys
3. Organizational culture surveys

When implemented correctly, surveys can serve as a foundation for improving gender equality and workplace culture and bring meaningful change to an organization.