Enhance your employees experience: a Post-COVID-19 approach

At its core, Employee Experience, often abbreviated as EX, captures the journey an individual takes with an employer. From the moment they encounter a job ad, through their selection, work environment, company culture, performance reviews, and even their exit interviews, each touchpoint contributes to their overall experience. Just as businesses prioritize customer experience (CX), an employee's journey holds equal importance. Each sunny day or rainy night, each best or worst moment, carves an indelible mark on an employee's mental canvas, defining their Employee Experience (EX).

Post the global upheaval caused by COVID-19, businesses face a renewed urgency to offer a positive employee experience. Now, businesses treat employees as they do customers, prioritizing their satisfaction to retain top talent and reduce recruitment costs.

What are the Eight Stages of the Employee Life Cycle (8-ELC)?

• Recruitment: Initiating the employee journey through a thorough selection process.
• Onboarding: Introducing employees to the company’s culture, values, and mission.
• Engagement: Fostering dedication and enthusiasm towards achieving organizational goals.
• Performance: Recognizing and valuing high-performing individuals.
• Retention: Prioritizing growth and development throughout the employee's tenure.
• Exit: Acknowledging the end of an employee’s journey, whether through retirement or other means.
• Alumni: Celebrating former employees to foster a positive environment.
• Employee Referral: Encouraging existing employees to refer potential talent, can reduce recruitment costs.

How to enhance Positive Employee Experience (P-EX)?

Effective Communication:

For a robust employee experience, both horizontal and vertical communication channels are crucial. While horizontal communication ensures clarity among peers, vertical communication fosters a transparent flow of information between subordinates and supervisors. In an ideal workplace, a blend of these channels is maintained, fostering organic cultures and designs where employees at all levels feel involved in decision-making processes, thus elevating their overall experience.

Efficient Onboarding:

The first impression lasts, and it starts with onboarding. An effective onboarding process, free from deficiencies and delays, ensures new employees understand their roles, and the company's mission, vision, and culture right from the start. By warmly welcoming them and effectively communicating policies, procedures, and growth opportunities, companies can set the stage for a positive and lasting relationship.

Optimal Job Conditions:

The physical environment plays a pivotal role in determining an employee's experience. From the right equipment to a conducive work environment, companies must ensure their employees have what they need to excel. Whether it's an office setup or fieldwork, the conditions significantly influence an employee's mental well-being and their perceptions of the organization.

Mentorship Programs:

Mentoring is an invaluable tool for employee development and experience enhancement. Implementing both peer and supervisory mentoring programs can provide employees with guidance, support, and a sense of belonging, thereby enriching their overall journey with the company.

Regular Feedback Systems:

Feedback is the cornerstone of improvement. Instead of just receiving feedback, organizations should focus on creating a responsive system that addresses concerns, appreciates suggestions, and works towards a win-win resolution for both the employer and the employee.

Culture, Tech, and Workplace Management:

An integrated approach that blends company culture, technology, and the workplace environment enhances the employee experience manifold. Companies should aim to create hubs where these three components interact harmoniously, ensuring a positive experience.

Customer Relationship Involvement:

Incorporating employees in customer interactions not only empowers them but also enhances their experience. It gives them a broader perspective of the company's objectives and fosters a sense of ownership.

Strategic Involvement:

Engaging employees in strategic decision-making, even at minimal levels, is invaluable. When they have a say or even an avenue to voice their opinions, it makes them feel valued, heard, and more connected to the company's success.

Accessible Leadership:

Leadership plays a critical role in shaping employee experience. When the top leadership is approachable and communicative, it instills confidence in the employees and helps in molding future leaders from within the organization.

Transparency in Values:

Cultivating an environment of transparency is vital for trust-building. When employees feel that there's clarity in company values, processes, and decisions, it fosters a sense of security and a positive experience.

Active Listening:

Being available and attentive to employees' concerns and suggestions goes a long way. Active listening not only resolves issues but also makes employees feel acknowledged and valued, paving the way for a positive experience.

What are the benefits of a positive employee experience?

Engagement

A positive employee experience significantly drives engagement levels within an organization. When employees feel valued, and understood, and are provided with the right tools and environment, they naturally become more committed to their roles and the company's mission. This heightened level of engagement not only boosts individual morale but also elevates team collaboration and overall company spirit.

Reduced Absenteeism

One of the clear benefits of a positive employee experience is the marked reduction in absenteeism. Employees who are satisfied with their work environment and feel a sense of belonging are less likely to take unnecessary days off. Their consistent presence ensures a smoother workflow and reduces disruptions, leading to higher productivity and efficiency.

Improved Output

A positive employee experience doesn’t just affect the quantity of the work produced but also its quality. When employees are immersed in a supportive environment, they are more inclined to go the extra mile, ensuring that their output meets the highest standards. Their dedication to excellence is reflected in every task, resulting in superior quality of work that benefits both the company and the clients.

Relationship Management

By involving employees in customer interactions and decision-making processes, businesses can foster a deeper understanding of customer needs. Employees with a positive experience are more motivated to understand and cater to clients, building stronger relationships. Their firsthand insights and feedback help in refining products, services, and customer strategies, leading to enhanced relationship management.

Retention

Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of a positive employee experience is the ability to retain top talent. In today's competitive job market, professionals have numerous opportunities. However, an enriching work environment, marked by positive experiences, encourages employees to stay loyal to their current organization. By reducing turnover, businesses can maintain continuity, preserve institutional knowledge, and save on the considerable costs associated with hiring and training new staff.

How to improve the employee experience amid the global pandemic?

• Tech Upgrades: Ensure seamless virtual connections for remote work.
• Online Assistance: Offer technical support for those facing challenges.
• Shared Accountability: Foster a collective sense of responsibility.
• Delegation: Empower employees by granting both responsibility and authority.
• Wellbeing Initiatives: Prioritize physical health activities post-COVID.
• Office Ambiance: Create a welcoming and vibrant workspace.
• Employee Priority: Put their needs and well-being first.
• Healthy Eating: Offer nutritious food options for better productivity.
• Communication: Streamline channels for better connectivity.
• Career Growth: Introduce programs that align with individual aspirations.
• Training: Regularly upskill managers and supervisors.
• Feedback: Value insights from employees to foster a sense of ownership.
• Customer Feedback: Sharing client insights emphasizes the importance of every role.
• Retention Interviews: Understand employee needs and aspirations to reduce turnover.