Every Study Has a Story to Tell

Thought leadership research builds a solid, data-rich foundation of research-based ideas and insights that can contribute to white papers, editorials, feature reporting, advertising, microsites, social media conversations, and industry publications.

Openly sharing research includes a responsibility for accuracy, transparency and independence.

Consider the Employee Experience Survey we developed in close collaboration with a workplace engagement consulting firm. It began with in-depth interviews to explore how new employees enter and establish themselves in new work settings. With qualitative insights, we developed a detailed survey that measured each phase and turning point along the journey from onboarding to performance reviews to career development. We then administered this survey to a national sample of employees who work at Fortune 1000 companies.

The findings highlighted specific actions that companies can take to boost employee engagement, and it became a cornerstone for our client’s consulting approach. The research won industry awards and was highlighted in Forbes magazine among other media outlets. Our client has since commercialized the survey by developing it into an assessment tool that companies can use to benchmark against others and track their progress.

Another example is our work about ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. With input from multiple expert and non-expert audiences, we focused the research on physician and patient attitudes about the disease, including the number and severity of disease flare-ups, levels of disruption to daily life, and so on.

The story we developed from the data? Patients with UC become so accustomed to pain that they under-report symptoms, and therefore physicians who are most attentive tend to underestimate the impact. It was a compelling story that spoke to multiple audiences: patients, doctors, healthcare media, marketing and communications teams, patient educators, and so on. The research was heard and used at patient conferences, in scientific medical journals, on morning news shows, and beyond.

If you are looking for an independent, third-party researcher to engage for your thought leadership research program, let’s connect.