B2CEFRWriting25 min

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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