SmartGroups are dynamic groups that automatically target a population of employees based on precise criteria (e.g., department, tenure, start date, status, manager, location, custom attributes, etc.).

They update automatically whenever user data changes (import, SFTP, manual edits, etc.).

This is one of Zest’s most powerful tools for personalizing your analyses, listening campaigns, and reviews.

🎯 What Are SmartGroups Used For?

SmartGroups enable:

✔️ Targeting Listening Campaigns

Examples:

• All employees in France

• Teams reporting to a specific manager

• Employees who joined less than 90 days ago

• All fixed-term staff / apprentices / managers

• Employees working remotely, in stores, or on-site

✔️ Targeting Review Campaigns

Examples:

• Tenure > 6 months

• “Managers” or “Non-Managers” population

• Employees in a specific department

• Part-time employees

✔️ More Granular Dashboard Analysis

Examples:

• Creating age groups (based on birth date)

• Creating tenure groups (based on start date)

• Segmenting populations by job attribute (e.g., role, contract type, division)

SmartGroups then become reusable filters across all your analyses.

What Should Be Prepared in Advance?

The criteria used must exist in Zest data (imported via Excel or other methods). If needed, add them to the user file and send them to your Zest contact for import. (content.zestmeup.com)

🔧 How to Create a SmartGroup

1. Go to Back Office → SmartGroups

2. Click Create a SmartGroup

3. Choose a clear and explicit name

4. Select your filter criteria:
   • SmartOrg data (departments, teams, locations)

   • Custom attributes

   • Dates (tenure, birth, start date, etc.)

   • Employee role or status

5. Save

The SmartGroup will then appear in:

• listening campaigns

• review campaigns

• analyses

• your SmartOrg

• all Super Admins’ views (read-only)

💡 SmartGroups are dynamic: no manual update is required.

✏️ Who Can Modify a SmartGroup?

👉 Only the SmartGroup owner can modify it.

When a user creates a SmartGroup, they automatically become its owner.

Other users, even Super Admins, can:

• view the SmartGroup

• use it in campaigns

but cannot modify it, unless they become the owner (via technical intervention).

This rule prevents accidental changes to critical groups (e.g., SmartGroups used in automated campaigns).

🛠 Modify a SmartGroup

1. Go to Back Office → SmartGroups

2. Open the desired SmartGroup

3. Verify that you are the owner

4. Adjust the criteria

5. Save

💬 If you are not the owner but need to become one, contact your internal team or Zest.

📌 Best Practices for Structuring Your SmartGroups

🟩 1. Use Clear, Standardized Naming

Examples:

• GEO – France – South-West

• HR – Onboarding – < 90 days

• ANALYSIS – Age group – 25–34

🟩 2. Leverage Custom Attributes

You can build SmartGroups using:

• gender

• contract type

• start date

• birth date

• job function

• role category

• etc.

🟩 3. Combine Multiple Filters

Example:

Population = “France”

AND

Tenure < 6 months

AND

Manager = X

🟩 4. Create “Automatic” SmartGroups

Example — age ranges:

• < 25 years

• 25–34

• 35–44

• 45–54

• 55+

Excel formulas can help prepare attributes before import.

🟩 5. Test Your Filters

Zest displays in real time the number of employees concerned.

🧭 In Summary

SmartGroups allow you to:

✔️ target listening campaigns,

✔️ manage review campaigns,

✔️ refine analyses,

✔️ create dynamic populations based on your attributes or SmartOrg.

They update automatically, and only the owner can modify them.

Essential for detailed analysis and personalized HR communication.