We conducted an employee survey and had just shy of 100% participation even with extreme anxiety/discomfort. These are the things that I think helped:
1. The person who collected all of the results was a new employee that didn't have allegiance to any particular exec, department, or group.
2. The survey monkey account that was use was purchased for the sole purpose of the survey and only the person who collected the results had the password/access to the account.
3. staff could fill out paper versions and turn them in anonymously to avoid fears of computer tracing.
4. The person collecting results offered in-person meetings off-site to discuss the answers if people didn't feel comfortable creating a physical record. When scheduled, the meetings were private on the calendar.
5. We ascertained all results would be provided in chunks of information (i.e. graphs, charts, percentages) instead of as individual answers to avoid people picking up on words used or tone.
6. The data was not stored on any work computers or other methods potentially accessible by the execs.
7. Once the data was pulled, the survey monkey account was deleted.
This probably seems extreme, but we also had high turnover and knew of cultural issues. We wanted 100% participation and felt this was the best way to ensure everyone had at least one comfortable method of reporting. The results were very honest. Good luck!
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