Co-written by Amanda Parriag (ParriagGroup) and Paul Chaulk (Atlantic Evaluation Group) If there’s one thing we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) over the last 25 years, it’s that it is entirely possible to carry out a thorough, well-resourced evaluation that still manages to miss the mark. In our experience, good evaluation goes beyond methodology, honing in on whose stories are told, whose experiences are measured, and whose voices define “success.” And when these questio

Surveys continue to be among the most useful tools for organizations to better understand experiences, identify gaps, and inform planning. The nature of our work means that we often find ourselves at the helm of survey design and dissemination; clients want concrete data to guide their work and answer their burning questions. Over time, we’ve learned that good survey design is equal parts technical skill and strategic planning, and success is often contingent on establishing

Most organizations aren’t short on data – quite the opposite, really. Many of our clients are rich in data, with strong annual engagement survey participation rates, stable scores, and positive trends. And on paper, their results look fine, positive even. But when we start listening more closely, a different picture often emerges. A quieter, more complex one. The gap between what surveys say and what employees experience is widening, and this disconnect isn’t just a matter of

Lately, we’ve found ourselves doing a lot of workplace reviews — helping clients get underneath a key challenge: how to attract the right talent while creating an environment where people actually want to stay. Time and time again, these conversations lead to the same place. A respectful, well-functioning workplace is the difference between a career stepping stone and a place where exceptional folks plant their roots. But getting there requires more than just intention; it r