We’ve updated our survey questions – here’s why that matters

Nothing lasts forever. And, if you’ve ever built something, you’ll know this.

With time, wear and tear creeps in. Even the most solid foundations need a fresh coat of paint now and again. So when things start to get a little tired around the edges, it’s time to freshen them up.

That’s why we’ve made a big (and important) update to our pulse survey questions in Winningtemp. And it’s not just any update - this is one backed by deep research, rigorous testing, and real feedback from the people who matter most: our users.

We sat down with our in-house People Scientist, Rahat Rishi, to hear the full story. Here's what went on behind the scenes - and why it’s such a game-changer for our customers.

Why now?

Ten years ago, our original set of survey questions was developed in partnership with researchers at the University of Gothenburg. They were designed to do one thing really well: help organisations measure what matters - things like leadership, psychological safety, job satisfaction, and engagement.

Fast forward a decade. The workplace has changed, the world has changed, and we’ve learned a whole lot along the way.  

As Rahat puts it:

“The original question set had a strong foundation – it was built on solid research and had served us well for nearly a decade. But over time, things change. The workplace evolves, people’s expectations shift, and the way we talk about work becomes more nuanced.

While the questions were still good, we knew we could make them even better – clearer, more relevant, and more reflective of today’s working environment. This wasn’t just about fine-tuning language; it was about making sure our customers continue to get the most accurate, insightful data possible. That’s what drove this update.”

The science behind the survey

One of Winningtemp’s superpowers has always been its scientific foundation. This update was no exception.  

As Rahat explains:

“We started with the research and large-scale meta-analyses. That depth and breadth is really important. It means we’re not basing our questions on isolated findings, but on patterns and insights that have been proven over time.

From there, we focused on the workplace factors that consistently show an impact on things like turnover, sick leave, engagement, and overall performance.”

What’s different now?

One of the biggest changes is in the style of the questions. We’ve moved from traditional questions to clear, simple statements.

For example:  

Old: “Do you feel that you have a reasonable workload?”  

New: “I have a reasonable workload”

Small change, big difference. Why? Because statements are easier to answer, more objective, and work better with the Likert scale (you know - the happy/sad smiley faces). They also cut out fluffy words like “I think” or “I feel”, which can make things vague.

Rahat adds:

“For our customers, this means more reliable data, better insights, and ultimately, stronger decisions. It’s a small shift in format, but it has a big impact on how people engage with the survey – and the quality of what we learn from it.”

Curious why we use smileys and how our response scale is designed? Read more about the thinking behind our answer options here.

Built with care (and collaboration)

This wasn’t a solo mission. While Rahat led much of the in-house work, she also partnered closely with Leif Denti, the original lead researcher from the University of Gothenburg.

Customer insights also helped us refine the questions, make them clearer, and ensure the updates work for a wide range of teams.

“We didn’t just want a refresh,” Rahat explains. “We wanted to be certain that the updated questions were scientifically stronger - and wouldn’t disrupt existing data trends.”

So what’s in it for you?

Here’s the exciting bit. These new questions mean:

• Higher-quality insights – More honest, accurate, and consistent responses.
  

• Improved engagement – Users are more likely to respond (and respond meaningfully).
  

• Smarter decisions – Better data leads to better people strategies.

In short? These updates will help Winningtemp users see more clearly, act more confidently, and create stronger, happier teams.

“Gone are the days when HR choices were made purely on gut feeling or intuition,” says Rahat. Today, leaders want real insight - and they need to trust the data behind it. That’s exactly what these updated questions are designed to deliver.  

“They’ve been refined, validated, and tested to ensure they capture the right things in the right way. It’s a step towards smarter, more strategic people management.”

The updated questions are already live with a small group of customers – and the results are looking great. Over the year, we’ll be rolling the updates out more widely – and you’ll get to choose when you switch.

Let’s recap

We’ve updated our survey questions to make them:  

• Easier to understand

• Scientifically stronger

• More reflective of today’s workplace

• More aligned with how people actually respond

We’re keeping what works – and making it work even better.

What to do next…

Already a customer?

We will introduce these improvements in batches and notify you when it’s time to switch. Hang in there! 😄

Not a customer yet?

Let us show you what Winningtemp can do. Our surveys don’t just gather data – they spark action, build trust, and drive success.

Book a tailored demo and explore how Winningtemp can make a difference in your organisation.