Employee Survey, Leadership, Employee Trust
Change can be unpredictable , but a lack of communication can do even greater harm. Listening to employees during challenging times is not just a strategic choice — it’s critical for preserving trust and supporting team resilience.
“It’s not the right time — we’re navigating a major shift.” Whether it’s a merger, restructure, leadership transition, layoffs, or even evolving government policies, periods of uncertainty can feel especially difficult to manage.
For leaders hesitant to gather employee feedback during such times, the concern is understandable. That hesitation often stems from a very real fear — fear of the unknown — and it’s a valid one.
Yet when organizations are going through change, surveying employees might feel like trying to navigate shifting ground without a clear path. But in moments like these, that path — that feedback — becomes even more essential.
Surveying employees during periods of disruption isn’t just about measurement. It’s a critical way to stay connected with your people when support, clarity, and trust matter most.
Set expectations and align with your executive team
There’s often concern that anything less than positive feedback might reflect poorly on teams or leadership. But in reality, feedback during uncertain times isn’t about grading performance — it serves as a roadmap forward. Helping executive leaders understand the importance of listening during change is an investment that can deliver long-term value.
Support is available throughout this process — from pre-survey communication resources to guidance found in your customer Knowledge Base, along with expert consulting when needed.
Why it’s important to survey employees during change or a crisis
Leaders navigating uncertain times already understand the complexity of guiding teams through change. In these moments, gathering employee feedback isn’t just an additional task — it’s a vital tool for building trust, clarifying direction, and uncovering insights that might otherwise go unnoticed. Here’s how feedback can help:
- Informing strategic decisions: Survey results offer valuable input to help guide leadership decisions in uncertain environments.
- Unmasking hidden concerns: Feedback sheds light on employee worries around job security, work-life balance, or adjusting to new technologies during change.
- Encouraging innovation and adaptability: Surveys highlight creative solutions and process improvements from employees — especially those closest to day-to-day operations.
- Supporting change management: Insights from surveys can reveal resistance points, helping to shape more effective change strategies.
- Strengthening communication: Surveys act as a two-way dialogue, enabling stronger connections between leadership and staff.
- Building trust: When feedback is gathered, shared, and acted upon, it reinforces trust — especially when stability feels uncertain.
5 tips for listening when it feels uncomfortable
- Involve employees in problem-solving to promote a sense of shared ownership. When employees feel heard, they feel valued.
- Identify moments to pause and bring teams together to reflect. These shared experiences help build collective resilience.
- Leverage your organization’s strengths as a foundation. Past successes can help guide the way forward.
- Emphasize confidentiality to foster psychological safety and encourage open, honest feedback.
- Clarify the purpose behind gathering feedback so employees understand how their input will inform meaningful action.
Running employee surveys during times of crisis or significant change is not about checking a box. It’s about authentically connecting with your workforce to understand their concerns, support transitions, and reinforce a culture of resilience. When approached with care and intention, surveys become more than tools — they serve as vital connections between leadership and their people.
Your Customer Success Manager (CSM) is available to support your listening efforts — whether you're ready to launch a survey or simply want to explore your options. Whether you're an existing client or just beginning to consider feedback strategies, our team is here to help you navigate change and strengthen your workplace culture. Connect with us to learn how you can gather meaningful insights and build resilience within your organization.
