Pulse Survey

What is a Pulse Survey?

A pulse survey is a brief, frequent questionnaire used to gather regular feedback from employees on specific aspects of workplace experience, engagement, or organisational change. Unlike comprehensive annual staff surveys, pulse surveys typically contain fewer questions and are conducted at regular intervals—weekly, monthly, or quarterly—to track trends and respond to issues promptly.

Accounting practices use pulse surveys to monitor staff sentiment during busy periods, assess the impact of new processes or software implementations, gather feedback on client work allocation, and understand team wellbeing. Questions are usually focused on specific topics such as workload management, communication effectiveness, professional development opportunities, or work-life balance during seasonal peaks.

The format encourages higher response rates and makes it practical to survey staff frequently without causing survey fatigue. Digital survey tools can automate distribution, collect responses anonymously where appropriate, and generate trend reports that help partners and managers identify patterns over time. Regular feedback cycles enable firms to address concerns whilst they’re current rather than waiting for annual review periods.

Effective pulse surveys focus on actionable topics where the firm can make changes based on feedback. Results are most valuable when shared transparently with staff, accompanied by explanations of any actions taken in response. Tracking metrics over time helps firms understand whether initiatives are having the intended impact and where additional attention may be beneficial for staff retention and satisfaction.