What's in this template
Five policy options covering the realistic range. Add an open-text question — the reasoning behind a preference is usually more useful than the count.
Why this decision needs anonymity more than most
People won't say it in a meeting
Nobody tells leadership that a three-day mandate would make them look elsewhere. They just look elsewhere. An anonymous poll is the only way to learn this in time.
The result predicts attrition
The gap between what you're planning and what the team ranked is a reasonable proxy for how many people you'll lose over the following year.
Circumstances vary enormously
Commute, caring responsibilities, home setup — the same policy lands completely differently across a team. An open-text question surfaces that range.
Asking isn't the same as promising
Be explicit that it's input, not a vote. Teams accept a decision that went against them far better than one made without asking.
Run it in three steps
Offer the realistic range
Only include options you'd genuinely consider. Listing 'fully remote' when it's off the table damages trust.
Run it anonymously
This is the single most important setting for this poll. Named responses will tell you what people think you want to hear.
Say what you'll do with it
Be clear it's input rather than a binding vote, and report back on the decision and the reasoning.