HR Professional - February/March 2008 - (Page 63)

H R 101 ‘‘ The Columbo condition results from too many questions coupled with a lack of survey focus and the absence of a unifying theme. holidays. Mid-morning and mid-afternoon survey requests reach the greatest number of employees and generate the highest response rates overall. Another way to increase responses is the “what’s in it for me” factor. Employees respond to surveys that offer them a corporate trinket, discount or a freebie. 6. Monty Python disease—spam a lot While corporations surveying employees do not face the Spam issues commercial surveyors encounter, they do need to be conscious of sending too many e-mails relating to a survey or surveying too much altogether. Data worship dilemma Organizations often assume that data collection is the end result of a survey. They expect the data to reveal the answers to their business problems or enhance their employee relationships. The reality is that it needs analysis to identify trends, issues and, ultimately, actionable insight. Survey designers should opt for quality questions over quantity and really focus on the information that is essential to collect. 4. 5. All substance, no style You know you’re in trouble when the survey request (never mind the survey itself) lacks coherence and style. Organizations can ensure engagement by presenting data in a compelling way, with a good balance of graphics and text. Graphics, charts or graphs can support messaging, but a coherent narrative, balanced with visual elements, should tell the story. Mr. Magoo syndrome Organizations collecting online survey data often fail to see the value in the information collected. While it is important to have a unifying survey theme, administrators should not focus exclusively on what they might do with the data collected. Survey data can be repurposed in a variety of creative ways—from sharing significant results with employees to validating employee satisfaction numbers in the marketplace. Companies may consider repeating surveys quarterly or annually in order to do comparative analysis. ’’ More than of candidates falsify their resume Prevent frauds and manage risks while selecting the right people. As one of the most trusted pre-employment firms in Canada, we provide you with expert advice to help you hire the right candidate. 22% 7. What we do: .: .: .: .: .: reference criminal and civil record credit scoring and bankruptcy diploma, accreditation driving record, immigration status, international security Contact us today, for a safer work environment: 416.915.9500 ext. 3799 800.353.2049 ext. 3799 or infopreemployment@on.garda.ca Visit our new web site: gardaglobal.com Dean Wiltse, CEO at Vovici, has more than 30 years of experience in the marketing and technology industries. w w w. HRT houghtLeader. c om 354864_Garda.indd 1 F e b r u a r y / M a r c h 11/24/07 63 2 0 0 8 1:10:51 PM http://www.gardaglobal.com http://www.HRThoughtLeader.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of HR Professional - February/March 2008

HR Professional - February/March 2008 Contents Editor's Letter Contributors Leadership Matters Boards By the Numbers Did You Know Sustainability Education News: E-Recycling Communications News: HR Study FYI Ethics World Watch News: Legislation Legal Compensation Focus Strategy The Colour of Money Sustainable Skills From Brown to Green HR Trends: From Winners to Also-Rans Branding Human Capital HR 101 Interview with David Suzuki Off the Shelf The Last Word

HR Professional - February/March 2008

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