How Can You Positively Impact the Employee Experience?

Having high levels of employee engagement is a goal many employers strive for. In that pursuit, many employers find they need to look for ways to improve the overall employee experience (EX), which, in turn, improves morale, satisfaction, engagement, retention, and more.

Essentially, employers are trying to become more proactive in ensuring the EX is positive—with the recognition that doing so will allow other pieces, like employee engagement and retention, to fall into place.

EX is more all-encompassing than mere engagement. It’s the sum of all aspects of the employment situation, from the time the employee begins interacting with the organization as an applicant to the time he or she moves on and everything in between.

Engagement levels impact behavior and mind-set. But they’re only one piece of the overall EX. Good employee engagement is the result of a positive EX.

How Can an Employer Positively Impact the EX?

Here are some ways employers can have a positive impact on the EX.

• Improve training programs. Consider creating personalized employee development programs that take into account an individual’s goals, current knowledge, and skills base.
• Ensure employees have good tools to do their jobs efficiently and effectively. It is frustrating when tools are available that can make the job easier but are not accessible. If you’re not sure what employees need to be more effective, ask.
• Provide recognition of hard work and results. And be sure to implement formal and informal recognition programs.
• Set appropriate goals. Ensure that the metrics employees are judged by are fair and appropriate.
• Ask employees what they want. For example, employees can tell an organization what workplace modifications would have a positive impact, what tools and processes could be updated to make the job easier or more efficient, or what HR policies could be adjusted. The key is to act on the input received whenever possible.
• Ensure that the workplace culture aligns with the stated organizational values. In other words, “walk the walk.” This gives employees tangible ways and reasons to be proud of the organization’s work.
• Consider offering different benefits. Find out what employees value, and shape the benefits package accordingly. Again, the key is to act on the input received.
• Conduct exit interviews to gain insight into the EX—specifically, where it went wrong. Act on the information gained.
• Ensure interacting with HR is easy. Consider implementing or improving HR-related systems to streamline this process. Ensure that these tools are available 24/7 and that they work well on mobile devices.
• Communicate well and do so often. Don’t keep employees in the dark.
• Consider implementing more flexibility for employees, in terms of either work location or work hours. This might include working from home or flexible working arrangements.
• Show employees they’re trusted. This can be done by increasing responsibility, allowing them to make decisions, challenging them to solve problems, etc.

These are a few of the many ways employers can have a direct and positive impact on the EX. Has your organization shifted to prioritizing its EX? What actions have you taken to make a positive impact?

Interested in learning more about creating a memorable employee experience? Download this report to uncover all the strategies and practical guidance from some of the most progressive, talent-focused organizations around the world.