In the age of machine learning and data analytics, traditional employee surveys may seem clunky and antiquated. However, for decades the tried-and-true employee survey has been on evidence-based lists of high-performance HR practices, and companies abandoning them for more flashy technological practices may be making a mistake. Surveys are still an excellent predictor of behavior. During a recent study at Facebook, it was revealed that simply asking employees how long they intended to stay in their positions was more than twice as accurate as attempts to forecast future turnover using predictive analytics. Additionally, surveys give employees the opportunity to feel heard. Doing away with surveys sends a clear message that management doesn’t care about the opinions of employees. The act of filling out a survey helps employees take active ownership in their careers and allows them to have a stake in future decisions. While smart technologies and data analytics have their place, the human connection surveys foster is still vital in the workplace.