Writing B2: Report on a Staff Survey
Work & careers
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B2 | Writing | 25 min
Writing Task: Report on a Staff Survey
You work in the HR team of a company with 80 employees. Last month all 80 employees took part in a survey about the staff cafeteria. Your manager has asked you to write a report on the results. Write 180-230 words.
Survey results
| Question | Staff | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Satisfied with the quality of the food | 60 | 75% |
| Think the prices are too high | 52 | 65% |
| Wait more than 15 minutes in line at lunchtime | 48 | 60% |
| Want more vegetarian dishes | 36 | 45% |
| Happy with the opening hours | 72 | 90% |
Ideas from staff
- A cheaper set menu once a week
- At least two vegetarian dishes every day
- A second serving counter, or online pre-ordering
What to write
Use the headings Introduction, Findings and Recommendations. Use the figures above and add no other figures.
Check your report
- ☐ I write 180-230 words, including the headings.
- ☐ I use the three headings: Introduction, Findings and Recommendations.
- ☐ My introduction states the purpose of the report and how the data was collected.
- ☐ I group the findings (positive points first, then problems) and use at least four of the figures correctly.
- ☐ I make at least two recommendations that match the problems.
- ☐ I use a neutral, formal style with impersonal structures and linking words.
Your Report
Write your report in the box (180-230 words).
____ (Introduction)This is an open task. The model answer shows one possible report; you can organize and word your report differently.
Model answer and useful phrases
Example report
Introduction
The aim of this report is to present the results of a recent staff survey about the company cafeteria and to suggest improvements. All 80 employees were asked to complete a short questionnaire, and every one of them replied.
Findings
Overall, staff are positive about the cafeteria. Three quarters of those surveyed (75%) are satisfied with the quality of the food, and 90% are happy with the opening hours. However, three problems were identified. Prices were the most frequent complaint, with 65% of employees saying that they are too high. Long lines at lunchtime came next, with 60% waiting more than fifteen minutes. Finally, almost half of the respondents (45%) would like more vegetarian dishes.
Recommendations
It is recommended that the cafeteria should introduce a weekly set menu at a lower price. In addition, offering at least two vegetarian dishes every day would make the menu more attractive. Finally, the lines could be shortened by opening a second serving counter or by allowing staff to order online in advance. These changes would address the main complaints without affecting the food quality, which staff clearly value. A short follow-up survey next year would show whether satisfaction has improved.
| Phrase | Meaning | Example in another situation |
|---|---|---|
| The aim of this report is to | introduces the purpose of a report | The aim of this report is to compare two training courses. |
| Overall, | gives a general summary before the details | Overall, customers were satisfied with the new app. |
| are satisfied with | feel pleased because something meets their expectations | Most students are satisfied with the schedule. |
| However, | introduces a contrast with the previous point | However, the room was too small for the whole team. |
| the most frequent complaint | the problem that the largest number of people mention | Late trains are the most frequent complaint among commuters. |
| almost half of the respondents | nearly 50% of the people who answered a survey | Almost half of the respondents live outside the city. |
| It is recommended that | a formal way to give advice in a report | It is recommended that the company should review its prices. |
| would address the main complaints | would deal with the biggest problems people mentioned | A clearer menu would address the main complaints. |
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