How Much Do You Know About Employee Experience
The modern workplace is becoming much less ‘plug and play’ and more personalized. Managers are more involved and attuned with their employees and their teams. Shrewd employers are paying attention to employee needs and transforming policies and procedures to take "employee experience" into account. As the workplace is ever-changing, it is worth some time to take a closer look at what employee experience is and what your team is expecting from you and your organization.
What is Employee Experience?
Employee experience is not just another buzzword, but rather how your employees define their overall experience at work. This experience extends beyond job titles and responsibilities. People take into account workplace culture, management, equipment and technology available, the ability to develop personal relationships and access to professional development opportunities. And there’s much more. A person's entire workplace experience is becoming more important for an employee’s engagement and productivity. More and more employers are paying attention, re-shaping their workplaces and shifting the traditional workplace experience.
Start at the Beginning
You've probably spent a reasonable amount of time in the interview and hiring process, and it might be tempting to call that the finish line when seeking talent. Going the extra mile here for your new employee's first day/week will make a significant impact. Have a solid on-boarding plan that will make a new hire feel welcome and engaged right from the start. Yes, there will be paperwork, but temper the “have to” stuff with things designed to enmesh a new employee in your culture. Pair them with a workplace mentor, schedule a team meet and greet and schedule an informal check-in during these first days. These small gestures set the tone for a positive employee experience.
One Size Fits One
You may find that generalized policies and steadfast rules held over from "that's just always how we've done it" are counter to positive employee experience. Studies have shown that employees who feel that they have a say in their workplace journey are more engaged and more productive at work. Think about what you offer each employee that contributes to their experience – what works for one may not work for another. A new hire may want to spend extra time on special projects, while a more seasoned employee is looking for specific feedback on how to advance her career in the company.
More than the Money
Yes, we all must make a living, but employee experience is much more than money. Think of your team and what inspires them at work. Look beyond the benefits and the dollars. What makes your workplace better than another company? What can you offer your team that someone else doesn’t? Some great additions could include flexible schedules or workspaces, mentoring and learning opportunities, resources to support their workload, or training and team-building activities. The idea is to allow your employees to be heard, feel valued and feel like an asset to the company.
As our workforce evolves, so do our work environments. As leaders we have to remain agile and open to these shifts in employee expectations. Employee experience is more than today’s workplace hot topic; it is a reliable sign of the changing demands of the modern workplace employee. Satisfied employees remain loyal, engaged and more productive than those that struggle to find their place at work. As a leader, help them find their place. Your employees and your bottom line will thank you.
And don't forget...