Creating a feedback culture is the most important foundation for a positive and productive work environment. In a company with a well-developed feedback culture, both employees and managers quickly gain the insights they need to move forward. Anonymous employee feedback opens a much wider window. Allowing employees to speak freely and without judgement creates an environment of trust and transparency that leads to increased productivity and engagement.
Why is there a need for anonymous feedback?
Are you a little concerned about the definition of anonymous or unnamed feedback? Do you wonder why there is a need for anonymous feedback when internal openness and transparency are so important? You may be right in a sense, but that is entirely your perspective. Some people may be more reluctant than others to talk about something that makes them uncomfortable. Fear of being misunderstood can lead to some issues being swept under the carpet. Some employees may feel that they will lose their jobs if they raise issues with their managers. Anonymous feedback removes these and similar inhibitions and allows people to speak freely.
Let’s take an example: All over the world there are stereotypes about gender inequality. These stereotypes result in female employees being subjected to certain behaviours, whether obvious or not. Women who are constantly interrupted, women who are uncomfortable with certain behaviours and jokes, women who are harassed… These problems, which are not spoken about for fear of being judged, can be discussed freely through anonymous feedback. Decision-makers can intervene before problems escalate, and the risk of valuable employees leaving suddenly is eliminated.
Anonymous feedback is not ‘complaining’.
Employees are invaluable sources of insight for management teams. Some ideas fade away because they are not given the opportunity to be heard. Anonymous feedback does not mean that people can freely complain about each other. A young employee who is afraid of being criticised may feel free to put forward an idea to improve the business. The main goal of companies is, of course, to create transparent and inclusive atmospheres where everyone can freely bring up new ideas. No matter how well-intentioned, some may be more reluctant than others to come forward. Anonymous feedback gives you the opportunity to hear unheard voices.
Benefits of receiving anonymous feedback from employees
- Increased morale and motivation
Anonymous employee feedback can help improve morale. We all want to be heard and an environment where we can be heard freely improves morale. When employees can share their feelings without fear of being judged or criticised, it makes them feel good mentally and spiritually.
- Improved collaborative environment
An environment where everyone can express themselves honestly leads to co-operation and a more participative work culture.
- Increased productivity
Providing a safe space for employees encourages them to raise concerns or make suggestions, and increased morale leads to increased productivity. Feedback from employees on how to improve processes for efficiency is also a gift of the process.
- Reduced staff turnover
Employees who can make their voices heard about an issue that concerns them and see action taken are less likely to leave their jobs.
- Improved company reputation
Employees who have a voice through anonymous feedback feel valued and important when they see their ideas acted upon. People want to work for companies that are transparent and responsive to their employees. People are more likely to apply for jobs or recommend companies to others if they hear good stories about how employees’ ideas are taken into account.
- Enhanced employee experience
Every practice an employee experiences within a company makes up the stages of their journey. Being able to give anonymous feedback is an important stage and gives employees the confidence that they will always be heard.
- High employee engagement
When the problems that prevent employees from willingly participating in their work are solved, engagement rates naturally increase.