An establishment survey is a survey of a sample of establishments or enterprise that seeks to measure the behaviour, structure, or output of organizations rather than individuals. The establishment survey covers primarily business establishments, but also includes government agencies, non-profits, and most other entities that employ workers for a wage. Information about jobs held by self-employed workers are typically excluded from such surveys. Moreover, establishment survey often only cover a subset of all establishments in an industry, normally those above a certain size limit, and typically sample only formal sector establishments. Ensuring the privacy, confidentiality and security of the information provided by establishments is critical for the production of statistics and there will be no dissemination of confidential information.

There are a large variety of establishment surveys, each designed to obtain specific information on, e.g. production; export; employment, average earnings and hours worked; occupational employment and wage structure; labour cost; job vacancies, hiring and firing practices; skill and training needs. Feedback from establishment surveys is also vital mechanism for updating the Statistical Business Register as it provides information on changes in contact address, changes in the economic stratification characteristics, deaths, etc.

Establishment survey data are used for industry analysis, compilation of national accounts and balance of payments. They also provide information on variables such as employment or wages by occupation, labour cost, productivity, or employee benefits. Such information is critical across government, business, and in the communities in formulating policies and making informed decisions.