Entrepreneur and employee ownership expert Chris Maslin has collaborated with fellow businessman Dan Wardle to introduce a revolutionary tool for small businesses: a free employee engagement survey. This initiative is specifically tailored for forward-thinking companies that prioritize a caring workplace ethos, aiming to enhance employee satisfaction and improve overall workplace dynamics.
Background of Chris Maslin and Go EO
Chris Maslin, the founder of Go EO, has launched the Go EO staff survey—a completely free tool designed to provide small businesses with essential insights into their internal workplace environment. Maslin is widely recognized for his achievements in developing service-oriented businesses and founded his accountancy firm, Maslins, in Kent back in 2009.
In 2021, he transitioned Maslins to an employee ownership trust, discovering the process rewarding enough to create Go EO. This new platform aims to assist other business owners in making similar transitions without incurring excessive costs or complexities.
The Inspiration Behind the Survey
The idea for the Go EO Staff Survey originated from Maslin’s personal experiences conducting internal staff surveys at Maslins, which often required DIY efforts. “Eager to enhance and scale these surveys, I reached out to Dan Wardle of Surveylab,” said Chris. “Our shared interests and aspirations made this project something we both wanted to champion.”
Surveylab’s Role in the Collaboration
Dan Wardle, the founder of Surveylab, has played a vital role in developing the survey. Established in 2003, Surveylab has built a reputation as a reliable partner for both global brands and local non-profits, specializing in online surveys for customer feedback and employee engagement. At Surveylab, we take pride in developing tailored survey solutions that meet our clients’ specific needs. The Go EO staff survey, however, is a distinctive tool designed specifically for smaller businesses, Dan explained. “It’s straightforward, effective, and informed by years of expertise in understanding what drives employee engagement.”
Features of the Go EO Staff Survey
The Go EO Staff Survey has successfully undergone a soft launch and is based on Surveylab’s well-developed employee survey framework, which has been refined over many years. This collaboration has yielded a user-friendly and insightful tool designed to meet the unique needs of small businesses. “We wanted to fill the gap between expensive bespoke surveys and the tedious process of creating one in-house,” explained Chris.
The survey is ideal for businesses with 10 to 100 employees, providing a means to gauge employee sentiments on crucial factors such as company purpose, leadership, teamwork, and customer focus. The anonymous feedback generated from the survey can help validate or challenge existing perceptions, laying the groundwork for further enhancements.
The Importance of Employee Feedback
For smaller teams, the survey can spark vital discussions regarding the company’s direction and role alignment. Larger organizations may still find value in the survey; however, they might require more customized solutions for deeper analysis of the data. The ability to assess employee sentiment quickly can empower businesses to implement changes that enhance morale and productivity.
The Go EO staff survey represents a significant step towards empowering small businesses, offering a practical, cost-effective method for understanding and improving employee engagement. By leveraging this innovative tool, business owners can foster a more inclusive and dynamic workplace culture, ultimately benefiting both employees and the organization as a whole.
