How to Analyze Communication Survey Results

Conducting an annual communication survey is a measurable way to assess your communications department and its goals, what is working well and what you need to improve. Once you have the survey results, it can be worthwhile to take time to examine the findings in detail so you can chart your course for future communications.

Instructions

Analyzing Communication Survey Results

1. Look for major trends in the data reported. For instance, are your internal communications stronger than your external communications? Is your company better at traditional communications methods than newer social networking and communication? Take some time to examine the big trends first before you consider deeper detail. This information will give you a high-level picture of your strengths and weaknesses in communications.

2. Focus on your company's current top priorities. For example, if you were working to make your executive communications more consistent, explore the results that address that. By focusing on your top priorities, you can narrow the data.

3. Develop a plan for sharing and working on items identified in the communication survey results. Let your employees or clients (or whoever completed the survey) know that they were heard; share some information with them and let them know what pleases you and what you are going to change or update.

4. Avoid the common "paralysis by analysis" problem. Sometimes people get so buried in the data and the details that they cannot see the bigger picture and end up taking no action. Focus on three to five top priorities.

5. Keep note of your progress regularly, and again, let those who took the survey know that they have been heard. The best communication strategy is regular, consistent and honest communication.

Tips & Warnings

• Be honest about the results and do not be tempted to skew results the way you would like.

References

• Inc: Analyze Your Survey Results
• Business Performance: Employee Communication Survey Benefits