Surveying for Success

Have you ever paid for an item in a store or a meal in a restaurant, and received a receipt with an opportunity to complete a survey? Maybe it gives you a chance to win a prize, receive a future discount, or return for a free custard or fries.

Typically, I shove the receipts in my purse, mumble, “Sure, thank you!” to the cashier, and forget about it until I’m cleaning out my purse a few weeks later, at which point the receipts are moved to the trash can.

I gained a new perspective on these surveys when talking recently with a friend who works at a restaurant. I learned that customer responses on surveys are tracked closely, and that including a compliment with a specific employee’s name can positively impact that person’s job along with his or her morale. Incentives are given to workers who receive a certain number of specific compliments. Conversely, negative comments can cause them to be disciplined or even lose their jobs. Someone who is “having a bad day,” or is struggling to learn a new job, can have their hard work negated by a customer’s careless comments as they take the phone survey for their free custard or fries.

For my friend’s sake, and for the sake of other workers who are doing their best to please their employer and customers, and to keep their paycheck, I intend to begin completing those surveys, even if they do take a few minutes out of my day. I intend to make note of the names of the people who are trying so hard to make my day, and include a compliment when I do.

Will you join me in “surveying for success,” as one more way to build community around us? While we’re at it, let’s remember to smile and thank them for a job well done, while wishing them a joy-filled day!