Back to HR Glossary
Net Promoter Score (NPS)

What is Net Promoter Score (NPS)

Net Promoter Score (NPS) is a metric used to gauge customer loyalty and satisfaction. In HR, it's adapted to assess employee engagement and commitment. It involves asking participants how likely they are to recommend the company as a place to work.

Key Features of Net Promoter Score (NPS)

  • Simple Rating System: Typically asks respondents to rate their likelihood of recommending on a scale from 0 to 10. Scores categorize respondents into promoters, passives, and detractors, helping in understanding sentiment.

  • Focus on Loyalty: Measures not just satisfaction but also loyalty and advocacy. This dual focus helps organizations identify areas of improvement for both customer and employee relationships.

  • Benchmarking Tool: Used in a variety of contexts to benchmark against industry standards. Supports strategic decisions by comparing scores across time periods or organizational departments.

Importance of Net Promoter Score (NPS) in HR

NPS is crucial for HR as it helps identify levels of employee engagement and willingness to advocate for their workplace. For example, companies might use eNPS (Employee Net Promoter Score) to measure and enhance workplace culture, leading to better retention and job satisfaction. An organization that scores high on eNPS might experience reduced turnover and a stronger talent pool.

Related Terms

Comparison: Net Promoter Score (NPS) vs. Employee Engagement

While NPS measures advocacy and likelihood to recommend, employee engagement measures emotional commitment and involvement. NPS provides a snapshot of sentiment whereas employee engagement involves a deeper analysis of motivation and behavior.

Benefits of Net Promoter Score (NPS)

  • Enhances Engagement: Helps identify and foster employee loyalty and satisfaction.

  • Provides Clear Metrics: Offers a straightforward way to measure sentiment over time.

  • Drives Organizational Improvement: Informs strategies for enhancing workplace conditions and culture.

Best Practices for Net Promoter Score (NPS)

  • Regular Surveys: Conduct NPS evaluations periodically to monitor changes in sentiment.

  • Follow-Up: Act on respondents' feedback to demonstrate commitment to improvement.

  • Segment Analysis: Break down scores by department or demographics for targeted insights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Net Promoter Score (NPS)

1. What is a good NPS score in HR?

A good NPS score is generally above 50, but this can vary by industry and organization size.

2. How is NPS calculated?

NPS is calculated by subtracting the percentage of detractors from the percentage of promoters.

3. Can NPS be negative?

Yes, if there are more detractors than promoters, the score can be negative.

4. How often should we conduct NPS surveys?

Quarterly or bi-annually is common, but the frequency depends on organizational needs and workforce size.

5. What is the difference between NPS and eNPS?

eNPS is a specific application of NPS tailored to assess employee satisfaction and engagement.