> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.culture-vibe.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Understand pulse surveys

> Know when to use a recurring pulse program and how it differs from an engagement survey.

A pulse program is a recurring listening rhythm. Each cycle is a short survey built from the program’s stable measures and question pool.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/culture-vibe/Myf2EpXJa_0GjMKr/images/pulse-dashboard.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Myf2EpXJa_0GjMKr&q=85&s=cbbabaa5dd49e12886a600e27de6eb1f" alt="Pulse Dashboard" width="2838" height="1518" data-path="images/pulse-dashboard.png" />
</Frame>

## Use a pulse when

* You want frequent feedback on a focused topic.
* Leaders can review and respond after each cycle.
* You need to follow a stable anchor or eNPS over time.
* You want rotating questions without sending a long survey every time.

## Use an engagement survey when

* You need a broad diagnostic across several categories.
* You are establishing a baseline.
* You want driver, category, heatmap, and benchmark context across a fuller instrument.

## How a cycle works

Culture Vibe schedules a cycle, composes its questions, creates invitations, opens the response window, and closes it according to the program settings. Internally, each cycle is stored as a survey so it can use the response and analysis capabilities of the platform.

<Note>
  A pulse is not a smaller copy of an engagement survey. Its trend value comes from stable measures repeated inside the same program.
</Note>

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Should a pulse replace the annual engagement survey?">
    Usually no. Use the broad survey for diagnosis and pulses for continuity, follow-up, and timely topics.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can employees opt out?">
    Yes. A participant can unsubscribe from a specific pulse program through the invitation link.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I see trend between an engagement survey and the first pulse cycle?">
    For engagement score, no, as they're not the same metric, engagement surveys can be more than 50+ questions while pulse has a maximum count of 7, so the calculation would be misleading. But for specific questions like "I am proud to work for the organization" if it's repeated then yes, you can see a trend. 
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>