How SDL Surveying unified remote teams with Workvivo
From fragmented tools to unified engagement – one platform connecting office and field teams nationwide.
+90%
Employee activation rate
260
Employees across the office and remote locations
5
Months from decision to platform rollout
SDL Surveying is a leading UK-based surveying business established in 1989, and is now the UK’s largest independent provider of mortgage valuations.
With 260 employees split equally between office-based hybrid workers and remote surveyors across the country, the company faced the challenge of maintaining connection and communication across a geographically dispersed workforce. They were also transitioning to a focused, single-business entity after recent demergers.
We spoke with Sarah Tuck, Director of People and Facilities, and James Billington, Engagement and Internal Communications Manager, to learn more about why they chose Workvivo, their experience rolling it out to their team, and the impact it has had on their culture and comms.
People
260
Industry
Property surveying and mortgage valuer
Location
UK
Category
SMB
It's probably the most structured launch of a third-party system I've ever been through
Sarah Tuck
Director of People and Facilities
SDL Surveying's Workvivo Journey
Before implementing Workvivo, SDL Surveying operated with a fragmented technology ecosystem that hindered effective communication and employee engagement.
The company had previously used Facebook Workplace during the pandemic, which worked well when employees desperately needed connection during lockdown. However, after transitioning away from Facebook Workplace, they moved to Microsoft's Viva Engage (formerly Yammer), which proved to be a significant disappointment.
The fragmented approach meant employees had to navigate multiple platforms: Viva Engage for social interaction, Culture Amp for employee surveys, and a separate SharePoint intranet called "Cosmos" for policies and procedures. This created confusion, with employees unable to distinguish between platforms and their purposes.
The lack of analytics meant leadership had no visibility into communication effectiveness – they couldn't track who was reading communications, when they engaged, or which content resonated.
Remote surveyors found it particularly challenging to engage with multiple platforms. The company was spending significant money on Culture Amp while struggling with poor user adoption across its various tools. Without consolidated data or engagement insights, SDL couldn't optimize its internal communications strategy or measure the impact of its employee engagement efforts.
SDL needed Workvivo because:
- Multiple disconnected platforms created confusion and a poor user experience
- No visibility into communication engagement or analytics
- Remote surveyors struggled with fragmented tools
- Previous platform (Viva Engage/Yammer) was described as "not fit for purpose" by their team
- Needed cost-effective consolidation of survey tools, social platforms, and intranet
What sets Workvivo apart:
- All-in-one solution combining social engagement, surveys, and an information hub
- Robust analytics and engagement tracking capabilities
- Mobile-first design for field-based workers
- Competitive pricing that replaced multiple expensive tools
- Strong customer support reputation
Onboarding, implementation, launch, and rollout
The SDL team praised Workvivo's structured approach and ongoing support. "It's probably the most structured launch of a third-party system I've ever been through," says Sarah. The team worked closely with dedicated customer success managers from Workvivo throughout the process.
What worked well:
- Weekly planning calls with step-by-step Gantt charts
- A flexible timeline allowing SDL to delay launch during their business demerger
- Recruited Workvivo champions from both the office and remote teams
Launch success factors:
- Custom Workvivo T-shirts and branded materials
- Prizes and competitions during the first week
- Engaging content ready from day one
- Leadership buy-in and active participation from senior management
Impact on internal communications, connecting the frontline, and employee satisfaction
Internal communications
SDL can now track engagement across all communications for the first time. The analytics reveal optimal posting times (Tuesday-Wednesday, 2:00-4:00 PM for remote workers) and content performance, enabling data-driven communication strategies.
Frontline employees
The platform provides critical lender guidance and job-specific content that remote surveyors need. The consolidated approach means everything they need is in one place, accessible via mobile devices.
Employee satisfaction
The reward and recognition program now operates through Workvivo, with monthly prizes and shout-outs tracked through the platform. This gamification element encourages regular engagement and peer recognition.
Why do SDL Surveying employees love Workvivo?
Surveys
SDL moved their annual employee engagement survey from Culture Amp platform to Workvivo, significantly reducing costs while maintaining functionality. The survey integration drives platform usage as employees must access Workvivo to participate.
Analytics & Insights
The comprehensive analytics dashboard provides unprecedented visibility into communication effectiveness, user behavior patterns, and engagement levels, something SDL never had with previous platforms.
Spaces
Closed team spaces allow remote surveyors to share tips, ask questions, and connect with colleagues, though adoption is still growing within this demographic.
Having those monthly calls going forward with [Workvivo] genuinely has been a great relationship so far.
James Billington
Engagement and Internal Communications Manager
Six months after implementation, SDL Surveying has successfully consolidated multiple platforms into one unified solution.
"It has been genuinely really positive, the entire launch,” says James. “Having those monthly calls going forward with [Workvivo] genuinely has been a great relationship so far."
The ongoing support continues to impress. "That's the differential for me, it's the after-sale,” says Sarah. “That's a real differentiating factor between Workvivo and most other people we use. I think it's the most positive thing."
With 90%-plus activation rates and growing engagement, SDL Surveying is building the daily habits that will make Workvivo central to their employee experience, proving that with the right platform and support, even traditionally hard-to-reach demographics can be successfully engaged.
