Should My Survey be Confidential or Attributed?

The following survey types and scenarios are best for confidential surveys:

Engagement Surveys
Engagement Check-In/ Follow-Up Surveys
Pulse Surveys for a topic in which survey participants may respond differently due to social norms, fear of retaliation, etc. if their identity were to be known
Surveys in which data analysis is conducted at a higher level, i.e. organizational, departmental, team, etc. where you don't need to act on the individual level or follow up with individuals

The following scenarios are best for attributed surveys:

Surveys gathering feedback on a topic that feels relatively low-stakes and safe for survey participants to honestly respond
Surveys when it's benefice to follow up with individuals on their responses
- For example, an attributed New Hire Survey to immediately address gaps and areas of opportunity in a new hire's onboarding experience. A survey question such as, I have the materials and equipment I need to do my job, requires immediate action to ensure the new hire's ability to complete their onboarding
- Another example, an attributed Exit Survey allows you to ask employees if they would consider working for your organization again, which would allow you to consider these employees for positions in the future