How should the HR manager respond to the leader’s request to identify the department from which the comment came?
Answers
Tell the leader that, to protect the anonymity of respondents in small departments, their answers are grouped together with those of other small teams.
Consult with the CEO to explain that, although the HR team wants to provide information so positive changes can be made, it also must maintain the confidentiality of the survey respondents, and then ask for guidance on how to proceed.
Decline to provide the information and explain that identifying the department may impact the anonymity of the respondent, which could adversely impact employee morale as well as the participation rate and value of future surveys.
Inform the leader that it is not possible and remove any comments from employees in departments with five or fewer employees.
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