Fake Employee Surveys

I have a friend who's workplace did a survey regarding a policy change that was recently rolled out. The majority of the respondents hate the new policy. The organization released the survey results, then basically said "we're not changing the policy, people just need more time to get used to it." I would prefer for someone to just tell me "we heard your input, but we don't care." But when you're telling me "these are not the droids you are looking for", I no longer trust your judgment.

There are many cases when those in charge would like input from the staff, but reserve the right to make their own final decision. That is a part of professional life I believe most of us can understand. There are cases when those in charge don't want any input from the staff before making their own final decision. That is a part of professional life I believe most of us can understand. Regrettably, there are cases where those in charge tell people they are making a decision based on their input, and that is obviously not true. That is a part of professional life I believe most of us despise.

No matter how effective, talented, or dedicated a person is, their level of output is impacted by how they are treated. This goes for your marginal employee all the way up to your superstar. They are all willing to tell you how they want to be treated if they feel you will listen. But if you don't have any intention of honestly considering their feedback, don't even ask.