The use of annual employee engagement surveys has declined 53 per cent in just four years according to new research, suggesting it has become a tool of the past.

According to The State of Employee Engagement Report 2022,* only 37 per cent of UK organisations conducted engagement surveys annually or less frequently in 2022. This figure is down from 58 per cent in 2021, and 79 per cent in 2018. Instead, organisations are reviewing employee sentiment more regularly, using listening tools such as pulse surveys for more consistent ‘temperature checks’.

WorkBuzz’s Report involved research with more than 300 UK business leaders, HR professionals and employees, and drew on insights from more than 400 UK organisations.

“We’re witnessing the decline of the annual employee engagement survey,” says Steven Frost, CEO of WorkBuzz. “With just a third of organisations now using it and even fewer expected to be doing so in 12 months’ time, HR leaders are making it clear that checking-in on their staff just once a year is a dying trend.”

In their place, 25 per cent of organisations are now surveying their people at least once a month. A further 23 per cent are sending out surveys quarterly, while another 23 per cent are doing so every six months.

Frost continues: “The pandemic has accelerated the move to constant listening. With huge changes like hybrid working, changing employee expectations and pressures on wellbeing, people leaders are wanting more regular feedback from their people.

“In previous years we saw the shift to regular pulse surveys and the insights this year point to HR getting feedback throughout the employee lifecycle – starting from onboarding, right through to exit. This is key to delivering a great employee experience, and attracting, retaining and motivating talent.”

WorkBuzz’s research shows greater focus on surveying people across the employee lifecycle – from onboarding (42 per cent of UK organisations) to exit (70 per cent) – with organisations gathering valuable insights into recruitment, development, cultural improvement opportunities, and the overall employee experience.

Ian Barrow, Senior Employee Experience Consultant at WorkBuzz, adds: “Employee listening is no longer an annual event but a constant conversation. Active employee listening helps leaders identify what is or isn’t working, respond to sources of disengagement, identify ‘flight risk’ employees, and nurture a healthy culture.

“Giving employees constant channels to express their ideas, concerns and perspectives – without fear of the consequences – results in a culture of trust, inclusivity and innovation.”

*WorkBuzz’s ‘The State of Employee Engagement Report 2022’, download it here.