The Secret Ingredient for Healthy Buildings: Surveys
During my time spearheading the development of the leading healthy building standard, WELL, at the International WELL Building Institute, I came to realize that a critical component for creating a successful organization or building is often overlooked: well-crafted surveys. Through years of assessing numerous projects and their challenges, it became resoundingly obvious that (when done right) effective surveys can be integral to fostering thriving environments.
Surprisingly, something as simple as a survey can provide valuable insights into whether HVAC and lighting systems are working as planned, as well as guide resource allocation for more effective workplace well-being strategies. It's an often overlooked aspect, overshadowed by more glamorous solutions like fancy lighting, but it can significantly inform where to invest resources.
Here are some proven strategies for effective surveys:
Anonymous Surveys: Maintaining anonymity is vital to encourage honest responses. Providing reassurance and demonstrating the confidentiality of survey responses allows individuals to express their true opinions without fear of repercussions.
Incentives for Participation: One of the biggest challenges in conducting surveys is garnering sufficient responses. Consider implementing incentives to motivate participation. For instance, in larger companies where anonymity can be ensured, turning the survey into a friendly competition between departments or locations can boost response rates.
Well-Designed Questions: Choosing the right questions is crucial, but equally important is framing them appropriately to avoid inadvertently influencing responses. Thoughtfully crafted questions provide unbiased insights and facilitate accurate data analysis.
Effective Answer Scales: Using the right scale and response options ensures that the collected data provides meaningful and actionable information. The Likert scale, with its carefully calibrated range of responses, is an effective tool in surveys, offering nuanced insights into individual perceptions.
The Right Frequency: How often surveys are conducted plays a significant role in their effectiveness. Too few surveys may not provide enough data to track trends, while an excess of surveys can lead to declining response rates. The sweet spot lies in conducting surveys approximately once every six months, accounting for seasonal variations.
By embracing the transformative power of effective surveys, we gain the ability to unearth invaluable insights that can guide decisions to cultivate healthier places. We can enhance workplace well-being and occupant satisfaction by integrating this element into core processes (like air quality control) given the immense potential it holds.