January has a way of turning good intentions into fast-moving calendars. Before the year fills up, there’s one thing that pays off quickly (and quietly) asking your people how it’s going, then doing something with what you learn.
A short engagement survey in January isn’t “just another HR task.” It’s a leadership move.
Why this matters right now? Because employees are already making decisions in January. They’re deciding whether they’re all-in… or just “showing up.” They’re deciding if they feel seen, supported, and set up to succeed. And if they don’t? That decision shows up later as turnover, frustration, and performance issues. A quick engagement pulse helps you catch what’s brewing early, before it becomes costly.
7 reasons to run an engagement survey in January
1. Set the tone for the year: When employees feel heard early, they engage more deeply all year.
2. Reduce turnover before it starts: Most exits have a long runway. Surveys help you spot patterns and fix the preventable stuff.
3. Find quick wins that build momentum: Often, small changes create outsized impact (communication, tools, schedule clarity, recognition, workload balance).
4. Strengthen leadership trust: People don’t expect perfection. They do expect honesty and follow-through.5. Improve performance without guessing: Engagement isn’t fluff, it impacts productivity, quality, attendance, and customer experience.
6. Get clarity on what employees actually need: Not what leaders assume they need. That difference matters.
7. Make your 2026 goals realistic: If your goals depend on your people, your plan should include their voice.
What an engagement survey should feel like (not just look like). The best engagement surveys aren’t long. They’re clear, safe, and actionable. Employees should walk away thinking: “They asked. They listened. They did something.” That’s the whole point.
Where most companies get stuck - A survey is easy to send. The hard part is what comes after.
If you’ve been there, you’re not alone.
If you want to do this the right way, without it becoming a heavy lift, I can help you:
Whether you want a quick pulse or a deeper engagement survey, I’ll help you do it in a way that builds trust and leads to real improvement.
And if you’d like to run an engagement check-in this month we’re here. Truly all in 100% for you through any of our service offerings including The People Playbook , click here for more info!. January has a way of turning good intentions into fast-moving calendars. Before the year fills up, there's one thing that pays off quickly (and quietly), asking your people how it's going-then doing something with what you learn.
-Elizabeth