In today’s competitive talent market, attracting and retaining top performers requires more than just a competitive salary and benefits package—it requires companies to cultivate a strong employee experience (EX).
A positive EX fosters a sense of belonging, purpose, and growth within the organization, increasing employee engagement, productivity, and customer satisfaction. According to Gallup, organizations that prioritize employee experience significantly outperform their peers.
In this article, we’ll explore five key strategies for building a stronger employee experience at your company.
Core values significantly shape an organization’s culture and employee experience by defining what is most important and serving as a compass for decision-making and behavior. Ownable core values are not just about attracting top talent; they are about creating a culture where employees feel engaged, motivated, and empowered to do their best work.
As you reflect on your company’s values, consider whether they authentically live within your culture. Inauthentic core values can be harmful and lead to cynicism and disengagement among employees when they perceive a mismatch between values and actions.
Ways to ensure authenticity include:
Transparency and open communication are cornerstones of a positive employee experience. Employees who feel their voices are heard and valued are more likely to be engaged and motivated.
According to a Deloitte report, leaders who actively listen to and address employee concerns cultivate trust and build stronger relationships with their teams. Open communication creates a sense of psychological safety, allowing employees to voice their opinions and concerns without fear of retribution. This fosters a collaborative environment where employees feel empowered to contribute their ideas and perspectives.
Some key steps to consider include:
Employees who feel they are constantly learning and growing are more likely to be engaged and satisfied in their roles. Rebecca Fraser-Thill noted in a Forbes article that employees who feel their skills are being developed are more likely to be satisfied in their jobs and less likely to leave the company.
Investing in employee development shows a commitment to their long-term success and fosters a culture of continuous learning. This not only benefits the employee, but also ensures the company has a skilled and adaptable workforce prepared for future challenges.
Invest in employee development by:
Feeling valued and appreciated is a key driver of employee satisfaction. A recent study from Gallup and WorkHuman underscores the importance of appropriate recognition, finding that workers are 4x as likely to be engaged and 5x as likely to see a path to growth with their company. Recognition motivates employees, helps them feel valued, and reinforces positive behaviors that contribute to the company’s success.
Cultivate a culture of recognition by:
Employees need a healthy work-life balance, and research shows that focusing on this aspect of the employee experience can increase job satisfaction, reduce the risk of employee burnout, and attract top talent.
Employers can promote well-being by:
As outlined in the key strategies above, companies that intentionally focus on their employee experience can gain significant benefits. Many firms wonder where to begin.
To get off the ground, consider engaging a research partner to help evaluate your current EX, establish benchmarks for future comparison, and determine the opportunities that will have the greatest impact on your team.
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