With research showing that less than 15% of employees are largely satisfied with their work experience, it’s time to put these misconceptions to rest:
- That it’s management’s sole responsibility to deliver on EX.
- That “engagement” tells the whole EX story.
- That overinvestment in an abundance of tools provides a full picture of EX.
It’s easy to understand why these myths are so popular. After all, aren’t “happy” employees more productive and successful? They are, but understanding what makes them happy is the key to true organizational success. From employee onboarding experiences to providing the right tools for the job, here are 10 ways you can enhance your organization’s EX.
1) Map the EX journey
Starting from when the employee applies for a job and ending when they leave your employ, the employee journey covers every aspect of an employee’s time with your company. An employee journey map identifies the “moments that matter” to improve EX. Examples include their first day onboard, the first performance review, or a promotion. This information is key to anticipating the knowledge and tools employees need to be motivated and more engaged.
2) Foster open communications
Employees say there are three important communication-related issues that positively affect their work experience: when their job is equal to what was described to them, when management has clearly shared a motivating vision, and when they experience open and two-way communication. When these needs are consistently met, the result is a stronger sense of community and drive to work towards common goals. One way employers can learn more about their current EX is through “stay interviews,” which can be more valuable (and cost-effective) than exit interviews.
3) Perfect the onboarding experience
The better the onboarding process, the higher your retention rate and employee productivity. One of the easiest and quickest ways to improve the onboarding experience is through knowledge management and employee knowledge sharing software that helps new employees:
- Have a clear idea from day one what’s expected of them.
- Quickly learn how to best complete assigned tasks.
- Determine who can help them accomplish their duties.
A knowledge base for employees speeds up the entire onboarding process by providing a comprehensive run-through of your systems and procedures, making the experience a simpler and more enjoyable one for new employees.
4) Make employee wellness a priority
To keep employees happy, you need to go above and beyond the traditional health benefits. Today’s employees value a healthy work/life integration approach that focuses on keeping them well, not just taking care of them when they’re sick. Popular benefits include remote work opportunities, proactive health and fitness programs, and paid parental leave.
5) Embrace surveys
To quickly discover what matters most to employees, collect regular feedback across their entire workplace lifecycle. Engagement, reaction, onboarding, training, performance review, pay and benefits, and exit surveys can all help you gather a real-time understanding of the issues your employees face and the solutions they need.
6) Act on feedback
Listening to feedback is a great start, but acting on it is what really enhances the EX. Showing employees their opinions are valued builds trust and increases engagement. It also helps create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace that attracts top tier talent.
7) Offer continual training
Once onboard, employees develop at different rates and across a range of skills. As they grow into their roles, it’s important they be afforded the opportunity to develop and advance their careers. Some organizations assign mentors to coach and give feedback. Others offer online training courses that help employees expand their skill sets.
8) Share customer feedback
There’s a clear link between EX and customer experience. Sharing positive and not-so-positive customer feedback with your employees can help them improve in their jobs and bolster their self-confidence. Sharing customer compliments company-wide increases employee motivation and helps them recognize their work is valued.
9) Provide leadership training
Keep employee development high on the list of your organization’s priorities. Professional leadership training sets employees up for success in their current roles and prepares them for future positions as they grow within the company.
10) Invest in the right technology
Forward-thinking organizations must invest in the right employee knowledge sharing tools that help employees efficiently perform their work. The technology landscape is vast, but tools like an employee experience portal are key to helping employees feel more confident in their role.
The employee experience impacts everything from your organization’s culture to its bottom line. Enterprises that want a better EX must listen to the experts—their employees—on how they would like to be treated. Because only then will they feel supported, happy, and ready to contribute to your organization’s growth.
