Employee engagement is often overlooked until it becomes a crisis. Managers find themselves blindsided when team morale dips, productivity falters, and talent starts walking out the door. But what if you could catch those red flags before they escalate?

A well-crafted “pulse check” survey is your answer. This simple yet powerful tool can help you understand your team’s engagement levels and take proactive steps to address their needs. Let’s explore how to implement it and the 11 essential questions every manager must ask.

Why a Pulse Check Is Crucial

Engaged teams are productive teams. Research shows that engaged employees are 21% more productive and less likely to leave their roles. However, a lack of feedback and recognition can lead to disengagement, often leaving managers in the dark until it’s too late.

The quarterly pulse check is your opportunity to get real-time insights into how your team feels, identify challenges, and foster a culture of growth and collaboration.

The 11 Pulse Check Questions (and What They Reveal)

Mission: Connecting to Purpose

1. “I understand and am motivated by the team’s mission.”

Purpose: Reveals whether your team understands and resonates with the company’s vision.

Action Point: Clarify the mission in team meetings and relate individual tasks to the bigger picture.

2. “At least 80% of my work contributes directly to that mission.”

Purpose: Identifies if daily tasks align with the overall mission.

Action Point: Realign priorities to eliminate busywork and focus on impactful contributions.

Expectations: Setting the Stage for Success

3. “I know what is expected of me at work.”

Purpose: Ensures every employee knows their role and responsibilities.

Action Point: Provide detailed job descriptions and regular goal-setting sessions.

4. “I have the tools, access, and support to meet my goals excellently.”

Purpose: Highlights any gaps in resources or support.

Action Point: Address resource bottlenecks and invest in necessary tools or training.

Engagement: Keeping the Fire Alive

5. “I am energized by the important work I’m doing.”

Purpose: Gauges if employees feel inspired by their contributions.

Action Point: Rotate tasks or introduce passion projects to reignite energy.

6. “In the last 7 days, I have received recognition for doing good work.”

Purpose: Measures if employees feel appreciated for their efforts.

Action Point: Introduce consistent recognition programs like shoutouts or rewards.

7. “In the last 7 days, I have received constructive feedback to improve.”

Purpose: Tracks if employees are receiving guidance for growth.

Action Point: Schedule regular one-on-one feedback sessions.

Growth & Development: Building for the Future

8. “I am clear and excited about how I can best develop.”

Purpose: Determines if employees have a roadmap for growth.

Action Point: Discuss career aspirations and provide training or mentorship.

9. “I have consistent opportunities at work to learn and develop.”

Purpose: Assesses if there are enough avenues for skill enhancement.

Action Point: Offer workshops, online courses, or cross-functional projects.

Support: Building a Collaborative Culture

10. “I feel cared for by my supervisor and colleagues.”

Purpose: Indicates the strength of interpersonal relationships within the team.

Action Point: Foster open communication and team-building activities.

11. “I see a commitment from my colleagues to doing excellent work.”

Purpose: Reflects overall team dedication and alignment.

Action Point: Address performance inconsistencies and celebrate team wins.

How to Implement Your Pulse Check

1. Choose the Right Timing: Conduct the survey quarterly to ensure continuous feedback.

2. Keep It Anonymous: Encourage honest responses by maintaining confidentiality.

3. Analyze the Data: Identify trends, strengths, and areas for improvement.

4. Take Action: Use insights to create an action plan that addresses key issues.

5. Communicate Results: Share the findings and planned improvements with your team to build trust.

Building an Engaged Team Starts with Listening

The “pulse check” is more than a survey—it’s a commitment to your team’s well-being and success. By asking the right questions, you gain actionable insights into their needs and foster a culture of trust, collaboration, and growth.

Start your pulse check today, and watch your team’s engagement and performance soar.