Cultivating a Positive Employee Experience

What is the Employee Experience?

When you hear the words, “Employee Experience” what comes to mind? Typically, one may envision a euphoric workplace that offers competitive wages and benefits, in addition to a flexible work environment where everyone collaborates harmoniously. The employee experience could mean several different things, dependent on the individual. Within the same organization, while one employee may have a positive experience, another may have a negative one. Several factors influence the employee experience and what is important to one employee, possible later in their career, may be completely different from an employee beginning theirs. The employee experience is not a one-time initiative or a Human Resources (HR) trend. Today, more than ever, it requires in-depth research, analysis and design, ongoing commitment, and a deep understanding of what motivates and supports people at work. By cultivating a positive and meaningful employee experience, organizations can unlock the full potential of their workforce, building a resilient and thriving culture that attracts top talent and delivers results with long-term success, creating a strong company brand and reputation.

What drives an amazing Employee Experience?

In today’s rapidly changing workforce, HR professionals need to re-evaluate what engages employees, understanding it is no longer salary alone. The recruitment landscape has changed to a candidate-driven market where job seekers are seeking different factors that motivate them, while organizations must think creatively about meeting their unique and diverse needs. Prospective employees will look for employers that have:

• flexibility, such as the ability to work remotely, compressed or shifted working hours,

• learning and growth opportunities,

• a strong focus on employee wellness and health and safety,

• a robust compensation program,

• cross-training or job shadowing opportunities and

• recognition initiatives.

Who is ultimately responsible for creating the employee experience?

People leaders play a pivotal role in influencing the employee experience, as it is deeply rooted in the culture they create and foster. While what matters to each employee varies individually, it’s essential to recognize that the factors that drive and motivate one person, may differ significantly from another. Leaders will depend on HR departments to have an overarching strategy that provides the necessary tools and data to attract and retain top talent, with a true understanding of why employees stay with an organization and why some choose to leave. Establishing well developed policies regarding flexible working arrangements and salary administration guidelines are essential for organizations to attract talent, while striving for fairness and equity, providing flexibility where possible.

Creating a positive Employee Experience is an ongoing process

The employee experience does not have a start and end date. It begins prior to onboarding and continues beyond offboarding. The recruitment process provides candidates a sneak peek into the organization’s values and priorities. A positive, inclusive, and welcoming foundation sets the tone for the employment relationship. Similarly, how a company handles departures, whether voluntary or unvoluntary, leaves a lasting impression and can influence employer branding and future employees. The golden rule always applies, treat others the way you want to be treated.

Measuring and continuously improving the employee experience is essential. Regular employee engagement surveys, open forums, and informal feedback opportunities can help organizations understand employee needs and identify areas for improvement. Organizations that actively listen to their employees and act on their input demonstrate that they value and respect their employees and make people their priority. The way employees are treated, heard, valued and recognized, the more likely they are to contribute to creating a positive workplace culture. Employees tend to leave organizations due to poor leadership or dissatisfaction with their people leader, in addition to a lack of growth/advancement opportunities, work/life balance and unsatisfactory pay.

Why is it so important?

While an organization may have all the necessary tools in place, the absence of a strong workplace culture and supportive leadership team, one that fosters employee growth, development and provides for flexibility, can significantly undermine the employee experience. Ultimately, it is the culture that influences how employees perceive and articulate their experience within the organization. People leaders are the driving force in shaping the organizational culture, making them truly responsible for creating a positive employee experience.

Employees who are highly motivated and engaged are more likely to remain with an organization that invests in their development, upholds its values, and demonstrates leadership by example. In turn, their commitment drives meaningful and impactful results, positively influencing both organizational performance and the overall employee experience.

Written by: OMHRA member Anne Musacchio, Manager of Human Resources, City of Vaughan