30 questions to ask in your employee satisfaction survey

What is an employee satisfaction survey?

An employee satisfaction survey is one of the most effective tools HR and management can use to gather honest feedback from their workforce. Instead of guessing what drives retention, engagement, or dissatisfaction, surveys give you a direct view of workplace mood, morale, and job satisfaction.

Think of it as a structured way to listen to your employees. It’s not just about spotting problems but also about learning what’s going well. The insights can then be used to build a healthier, more supportive, and productive workplace.

‍

Why conduct an employee satisfaction survey?

Surveys aren’t just a box-ticking exercise. When used properly, they provide actionable insights that help both employees and the organization thrive. Here are some key benefits:

Retain employees

High turnover is costly. Satisfaction surveys give employees a voice, showing that their opinions matter. For example, if you discover that scheduling flexibility is a recurring pain point among frontline workers, you can act on it before people start leaving.

Identify training needs

Many employees want to grow but feel stuck if training isn’t available. A survey might reveal, for instance, that new hires in a retail store don’t feel confident with POS systems. This insight allows you to introduce targeted microlearning or refresher courses.

Improve customer satisfaction

There’s a direct link: happy employees mean happy customers. A motivated hospitality worker will go the extra mile to resolve a guest complaint, while disengaged staff may not. Surveys help you pinpoint what’s impacting employee energy and morale, which in turn shapes customer experience.

‍

Factors that determine employee satisfaction

So, what makes an employee truly satisfied? The answer depends on several factors, such as:

Company culture and values – Do employees feel aligned with the mission?
Role clarity – Do they understand how their work contributes to bigger goals?
Training and growth opportunities – Are they learning and advancing?
Recognition – Do they feel valued for their efforts?
Work-life balance – Can they disconnect outside working hours?

All these pieces come together to form the employee experience.

Oneteam Magnet Framework for attracting and retaining deskless employees

30 employee satisfaction survey questions

Below is a list of 30 suggested questions you can use. Mix question types (yes/no, scales, open-ended) to get a balance of measurable data and personal insights.

Employee satisfaction surveys in Oneteam

Organizational values and culture

What do you think about our company culture?
Does the organization keep you informed whenever changes are made?
Do you feel everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed here?

Role and responsibility

Is it clear how your role contributes to our business goals?
Do you feel your job is challenging enough?
Do you have suggestions to improve how your work is organized?

Communication

Are you satisfied with communication in your workplace?
How quickly do you receive important updates?
Do you ever struggle to find the information you need to do your job well?

Management

When something unexpected happens at work, do you know who to ask for help?
Do you feel valued and appreciated by your manager?
Do your managers encourage you to give your best?
Do you feel your opinions are heard and taken seriously?
Do you receive constructive feedback from your managers?

Work-life balance

Does the work environment support a healthy balance between work and personal life?
Does your job cause you an unreasonable amount of stress?
Do you feel you go beyond your limits to meet expectations?

Teamwork and dynamics

Do you feel like a valuable part of your team?
Do you feel connected to the wider organization?
Does your team support you in working toward common goals?

Career development

How satisfied are you with your job overall? (scale 1–10)
Do you believe there are opportunities for career growth here?
Do you plan to continue working here for the next two years?

Training and development

On a scale of 1–5, how would you rate your onboarding experience?
Did you receive enough training to be prepared for your role?
Do you feel you are learning new skills at work?
Do you feel well trained to solve customer issues?
Does your job support your personal growth?

Benefits and perks

What do you consider the biggest perk of working here?
Would you encourage your friends to work here? Why or why not?

‍

3 key considerations before running surveys

Define your goals
Don’t use a generic template without purpose. Decide whether you’re measuring engagement, onboarding effectiveness, training needs, or overall satisfaction. A survey with a clear goal will give you actionable results.
Keep it anonymous
Employees are far more likely to be honest when they know their answers can’t be traced back to them. This is especially important in frontline environments, where workers might fear being judged by their manager.
Use the right tool
Digital tools like Oneteam make it easier to set up surveys, collect feedback, and share results. For example, you can send a pulse survey directly to your employees’ mobile app, schedule reminders, and automatically generate reports. This not only saves time but also makes the process more engaging and secure.

‍

Bringing it all together

Employee satisfaction surveys are more than just a questionnaire. They are a window into your workplace culture and an opportunity to take meaningful action. By asking the right questions and following up with visible improvements, you’ll build trust, boost morale, and create a culture where employees want to stay and grow.

Want to see how an employee experience app like Oneteam can make this process effortless? Request a free product demo to learn how Oneteam can help your organization.