You know that employees are one of your organization’s most important assets. Yet, while much attention is given to the quality of products and services that customers receive, very little attention is paid to those responsible for providing them.
Data shows that when employees are engaged in their work, both customer loyalty and the bottom line increase — the latter by as much as 23%. One of the keys to increasing that engagement is creating a worthwhile employee experience. Discover what employee experience means, why it matters, and what it takes to get it right.
What Is the Employee Experience?
The employee experience is the sum of all the interactions an employee has during their time in your organization. It starts as soon as they encounter your recruitment marketing materials and ends once they exit the company. It encompasses touchpoints such as:
- Interviews
- Onboarding
- Daily work
- Training and development
- Culture and relationships
- Pay and benefits
- Offboarding
All of these experiences shape and define what employees believe about your organization and how they behave within it.
Why the Employee Experience Matters
The employee experience is important for several reasons:
- Engagement: A good employee experience can raise engagement, which positively affects productivity, profitability, and performance
- Job Satisfaction: Good employee experiences make employees feel valued and supported in their roles
- Employer Brand: Employees with good experiences may be more likely to recommend your organization as a great place to work
- Turnover: Employees who enjoy their experience likely won’t be eager to leave
Focusing on employee experience not only creates a happier and more engaged workforce but also positively impacts the organization as a whole.
Dispelling Myths About the Employee Experience
Before you can improve the employee experience in your organization, take stock of your own thoughts about it. Believing these myths can sabotage your efforts.
Myth: You Don’t Need Your Employees’ Opinions
You may find that your own perception of your organization doesn’t align with what your employees really feel. It’s important to understand their frustrations so you can fix them.
Myth: Employees Are All the Same
Not all employees value the same thing. Some may hope for more development opportunities, while others want higher pay or more recognition. Survey your employees about their experience and what improvements they want to see.
Myth: You Don’t Need a Strategy for Improvement
Try to avoid falling into the trap of thinking you’ll just throw a few perks their way and your employees will be singing your organization’s praises. While meditation rooms and gym memberships are nice, you need a holistic strategy that provides both tools and support for every stage of the employee journey.
Actionable Strategies for Improving the Employee Experience
If you’re noticing low engagement or productivity, high absenteeism or turnover, poor communication, or a negative company culture, it’s definitely time to work on your employee experience. Here are four strategies you can use to start making positive change.
Survey Employees
It’s best not to assume that you know what changes employees want to see. Use qualitative, open-ended questions as well as quantitative surveys (such as Net Promoter Scores) to understand what changes need to be made and set priorities.
Work on Onboarding
Studies show that 50% of turnover happens within the first 18 months of employment. However, employees are 69% more likely to stay when they’ve gone through an effective onboarding program. Design an onboarding experience that sets clear expectations, provides employees with the tools they need, and helps new hires build camaraderie with their teams.
Train Managers
Managers account for 70% of the variance in employee engagement. Employees spend much of their time interacting with managers. Train them on how to foster open communication, give effective feedback, and properly support employees.
Set Goals and Track Metrics
Determine what kind of employee experience you want to build and align key performance indicators with each goal. Use the data you collect to pinpoint which areas may need a different or better approach.
Let AssetHR Help You Build a Supportive Environment for Your Workforce
Improving the employee experience is about supporting your employees so they can reach goals and increase performance. At AssetHR, our team of experts offers the tools and technology you need. Our HR consulting services can help you uncover what your employees need and want and build policies and practices that deliver. Contact us today to find out how our solutions can strengthen your workplace and help you create the experience your employees deserve.