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Sangeeta

Ideation | Activator | Communication | Connectedness | Relator Principal ResearcherOmaha, NE
WHAT SANGEETA IS SAYING:

"Being at Gallup is so much fun; it doesn't even feel like you're at work when you're doing something you love."

Question & Answer

Q: What do you do at Gallup?

A: As a Principal Researcher at Gallup, my job is to uncover what the world is thinking. My main areas of focus are employee engagement and wellbeing, but I do a lot of cross-practice analysis to connect all other areas of study. In my role, I analyze data from Gallup's extensive database, including data from the Gallup Panel, (opens in a new window) Gallup World Poll, (opens in a new window) Gallup U.S. Poll, (opens in a new window) Gallup Alumni Survey, (opens in a new window)Gallup Student Poll, (opens in a new window) our client data, and our selection and strengths data. Questions from Gallup consultants or other research partners about workplace topics, such as employee engagement or culture transformation, fuel some of my work, while sometimes the impetus comes from learning more about our main research priorities for the year. Every project is different, but it all connects to helping the world solve its most pressing problems.

Q: What's a typical day of work like for you at Gallup?

A: The first thing I do when I get into the office is look at my to-do list to see what needs my attention first. I usually have about 20 projects going on at the same time. If there's nothing urgent, I start with whatever project I like the most. I spend some of my time working by myself - it's easy for me to get lost in my work - and some of the time partnering with our client teams to help them understand our latest insights and findings. On most days, by the end of day, I am so energized that it's hard to leave unfinished analysis, so before I leave work, I let the longer syntaxes run, and then in the evening - after exercise and dinner - I am again ready to continue. I usually work for a few hours every day before I go to sleep. In the morning, I am always excited to get back to what I was working on last night or something new.

Q: What's one of your favorite things about working for Gallup?

A: One of the things I value the most at Gallup is the freedom: I have the autonomy to work on my own time, and for me, this is perfect because I have what some would call "odd hours." Sometimes I do my best work at 2 a.m., and if that's the case, my workday the following day starts around 10 a.m. It's nice having the freedom on those days to work from home, saving me commute and getting ready time. I've had a flexible schedule in various roles, but with Gallup, it's exceptional. I have elderly parents who live in another country, so I go back a lot to be with them. Being with my parents and working and still making a difference in both places is the best of both worlds. This special autonomy at Gallup gives me peace of mind and more energy to do what I do best.

Q: What made you want to join Gallup?

A: I wasn't actively looking for a job but stumbled across a position working with data and SPSS. I thought I'd take a shot at it, and once I started reading more about Gallup and I met people here, I decided I wanted to join. It was the perfect culture. I wanted to do what I'm good at, and I knew I would be able to do that here.

Q: What was your first impression when you started at Gallup?

A: My first impression was that everybody's job is important. Everyone I met put so much care and effort into their work. I could tell they were passionate about what they did and that they felt proud of what they were doing. Everyone feels respected, which keeps them engaged and energized. People here are very helpful, and the whole group is working toward one mission as opposed to people working in silos.

Q: What keeps you engaged in your work?

A: My mission in life matches Gallup's mission because we both use analytics to bring change to the world. In my role, I explore the data and analytics to find stories, and then I work with Gallup consultants so that they can share our findings with others. Together, we create positive change in the world. The number one thing that keeps me here is the constant opportunity to work with exciting data and the ability to learn or create innovative methods of analysis. I love that the work I do reaches so many people and clients. My opinions matter, which is also important.

Q: What's life like at Gallup?

A: It's the best. I feel fortunate to be working here. Before I joined Gallup, I wasn't miserable where I was working, nor was I looking for a job. But once I joined Gallup, I realized, "How could I have been happy elsewhere?" Being at Gallup is so much fun; it doesn't even feel like you're at work when you're doing something you love.

Q: What are some of your favorite research projects you've been a part of?

A: Some of the work I'm most proud of is the reports we've released: the State of the American Workplace report (opens in a new window) and the State of the Global Workplace (opens in a new window) report. Both reports provide workforce analytics and advice to help leaders, organizations and countries worldwide adapt to and excel in today's global marketplace. Almost all of the analysis in these reports is based on the data that I worked on. However, I genuinely love all of the projects I've worked on - they all make me proud. We've been collecting data on important topics for the past 10 to 12 years, and to be able to work with that much data is incredible. I get excited to discover themes in the data to learn how we can apply them to the real world. Numbers are my passion, and finding hidden stories in them is what motivates me.

Q: What are three words you would use to describe our culture here?

A: Fun, fast and collaborative.

Q: How do you leverage your CliftonStrengths® at work?

A: When I'm analyzing data, I use my Activator(opens in a new window) and my Ideation(opens in a new window) talents to envision different ways to examine things that I can't stop myself from immediately trying out. Sometimes I have so many ideas that I have to intentionally partner with a colleague of mine who has strong Focus(opens in a new window). Instead of letting a challenge frustrate me, I use my Connectedness(opens in a new window) and Communication(opens in a new window) talents to get energized and look at the issue in different ways or consult with my friends at work.

Q: What recommendations do you have for people who want to work at Gallup?

A: Be prepared to work hard but in a collaborative way. People will listen to you, and you should know that your opinions can make a difference in other people's lives. Every day you will have inspiring projects to work on and the freedom to work with people who will help you learn and grow. Taking advantage of these opportunities will help you feel fulfilled and ready to return to work with more energy. If you want to transform the world, Gallup is a good place to work.

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