The generational changes and diversity of the workforce have changed dramatically in the past 20 years and will continue to change. So many kitchen and bath firm owners and managers are facing the same challenge I am: managing your business’ most important asset – your employees.

I’ve always been a big fan of employee performance evaluations. I also like the two-part evaluation where the supervisor evaluates the performance of the employee and the employee performs a self-evaluation. Then the evaluations are compared in an open sit-down with supervisor and employee.

A number of years ago, I was curious what my employees thought of their jobs, our business and me as a boss. With that thought in mind, I put together a “Quality of Work Life Survey” and asked all 35 of our employees to complete it (anonymously if they preferred). This takes a certain amount of intestinal fortitude on the boss’ part – because you may hear and learn some things that don’t feel good. I wanted to know how people felt. This exercise helped me improve areas that needed some attention and continue to do well in areas that were strong.

I hope by sharing this survey, other firms will choose to do the same as a means to help make their firms better places to work.

For the first 43 questions, use the following Frequency scale:
Percent (%) of time:
Almost Never 0% to 10%
Rarely 11% to 30%
Occasionally 31% to 50%
Frequently 51% to 70%
Very Frequently 71% to 90%
Almost Always 91% to 100%

1. My boss is willing to help me improve my skills so I can do a better job.
2. I know the role that I play in achieving company goals.
3. Our firm operates as a team.
4. My boss encourages me to be creative in my work.
5. My talent and training are being utilized in my job.
6. I have an opportunity to make a contribution to the firm’s success.
7. The pace at which I need to work to get my job done is reasonable.
8. Our regular staff meetings are informative.
9. The suggestion box works for getting new ideas fairly evaluated.
10. I’m encouraged by my boss to share my ideas on how to improve our company.
11. I have confidence in upper management to make good decisions for the company.
12. We share information with each other in order to help each other do our jobs.
13. Management acts as if they want me to stay with the company.
14. Company policies and procedures are applied consistently throughout the company.
15. There is a real sense of teamwork within my company.
16. My job is interesting.
17. I plan on working here indefinitely.
18. The firm has enough employees to operate productively.
19. The company has cross-trained me.
20. I think the employees will be honest on the survey about the boss.
21. My ideas and suggestions will get a fair hearing from my boss.
22. I have access to all the information I need to do my job.
23. I am aware of company goals.
24. My boss asks for input when considering changes in policies and procedures.
25. My job is challenging.
26. The demands placed on me are reasonable.
27. The company newsletter is a valuable tool.
28. Upper management listens.
29 I enjoy job security.
30. Upper management keeps us informed about important developments.
31. Associate input is used by management when considering policy and procedure changes.
32. Teamwork and cooperation is encouraged by my boss.
33. This is a good place to work.
34. My co-workers treat me with respect.
35. I make it a point to read postings on the bulletin board.
36. My boss has confidence in me.
37. I get positive reinforcement from my boss when I do a good job.
38. I get cooperation from my co-workers to help me do my job well.
39. I get a sense of accomplishment from my work.
40. When I finish a day’s work, I feel like I have accomplished something worthwhile.
41. The amount of overtime I have to work to accomplish my work is reasonable.
42. I am comfortable asking for all the information I need to accomplish my work.
43. The notice given when overtime is needed is reasonable.

Rate the following on a scale of 1-6, using the following scale:

1. Strongly Disagree
2. Usually Disagree
3. Somewhat Disagree
4. Somewhat Agree
5. Usually Agree
6. Strongly Agree

44. Upper management takes the best interest of our employees into consideration when making company decision.
45. I am important to the success of the company.
46. The personnel handbook contains valuable information on company policies and procedures.
47. I feel like part of the team.
48. Staff is treated fairly.
49. I can trust co-workers.
50. I trust my boss.
51. I am compensated fairly.
52. I understand our firm’s benefits.
53. I have received adequate training to do my job.
54. I am proud to work here.
55. I like my job.
56. Surveys like this are an effective way to let management know how employees feel.
57. Management will make constructive use of this survey.
58. I can tell my boss about my work concerns and problems without fear of reprisal.
59. Management’s goal for our company is realistic.
60. Changes in company policies and procedures are communicated clearly by my boss.
61. I feel important on this team.
62. I don’t have to compromise my personal ethical standards to work here.
63. I have a good working relationship with my co-workers.
64. I have a good relationship with customers and vendors.
65. The company benefits fully meet my needs.
66. I am encouraged to improve my performance through additional training and education.
67. I would recommend this company as a place to work.
68. I know how to get my job description updated.
69. I can completely trust my boss to keep confidential information confidential.
70. Upper management is honest in dealing with associates.
71. The pay for my position is fair based on what other organizations in my area pay.
72. I am well respected by co-workers for my ability to do my job.
73. The company’s health insurance is a good benefit.
74. My boss trusts me to keep confidential information confidential.
75. We have a positive, upbeat attitude about doing business.
76. My performance reviews help me learn how to improve my job performance.
77. This survey is a good way for our employees to help our boss improve his/her performance.
78. I would prefer that my performance appraisal not be conducted in my boss’ office.
79. List five things you like MOST about working for this company.
80. List up to five things you like LEAST about working for this company.

I firmly believe a survey like this can be beneficial – to the employees, the boss and the business.