In the world of Employee Experience (EX) listening, one big question keeps popping up:

Should we run quick pulse surveys, or stick with a big annual survey?

The answer isn't one-size-fits-all. It depends on your culture, your goals, and your capacity to act.

Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the right path — or blend both smartly.

What Is an Annual Survey?

An annual EX survey is a comprehensive "state of the nation" snapshot. It typically covers a wide range of topics like:

• Leadership trust

• Psychological safety

• Career development

• Wellbeing

Benefits:

• Big-picture view of organisational health

• Useful for strategic planning and benchmarking over time

Risks:

• Feedback can become outdated quickly

• Slow action cycles can frustrate employees

What Is a Pulse Survey?

A pulse survey is a short, focused check-in (typically 5-15 questions) run more frequently — monthly, quarterly, or ad-hoc.

Benefits:

• Faster feedback loops

• Ability to track specific initiatives or emerging issues

• Less burden on employees

Risks:

• Can feel reactive or fragmented if not part of a clear strategy

• Risk of survey fatigue if overused

Choosing the Right Approach

Annual Surveys Work Best When:

• You need a broad, strategic view

• Your culture values deliberate, deep listening moments

• You can commit to visible follow-up actions within a reasonable timeframe

Pulse Surveys Work Best When:

• You’re navigating rapid change

• You want to build a more agile, responsive culture

• You have the resources to respond quickly to feedback

Best Practice: Blend the Two

Many leading organisations are using a hybrid model:

• Annual survey for deep, strategic insights

• Quarterly pulses to check in on key focus areas and track change

This "listening ecosystem" ensures you stay connected without overwhelming employees. Explore how often you should really run EX surveys.

Example: A Listening Evolution

A tech company moved from an annual-only survey to a blended approach:

• One comprehensive EX survey each spring

• Quarterly 5-question pulses focused on wellbeing, inclusion, and leadership support

Results?

• Higher response rates

• Faster action cycles

• Improved trust scores by 19% in two years

Listening became a rhythm, not an empty process.

How the VALUE Method™ Guides Listening Strategy

In the VALUE Method™:

• Vision: What's our real goal for listening?

• Architecture: What survey structure fits our needs?

• Listening: How can we gather meaningful insights, not just data?

• Understanding: How do we connect dots across different surveys?

• Evolution: How do we act consistently and visibly?

Frequency is important — but purpose is everything.

Final Thought: Listen With Intention, Not Just Intervals

It’s not about "more surveys" or "bigger surveys." It’s about building a culture where feedback flows naturally, trust grows steadily, and action follows consistently. Discover how continuous listening is reshaping survey practices.