Employees today face multiple issues in the workplace, including lack of recognition, poor work-life balance, unengaging work environments, and limited growth opportunities. These issues not only impact employee morale and satisfaction but also significantly impact the company’s long-term success.
In this post, we’ll discuss the importance of prioritizing employee experience and why doing so is crucial to long-term business success. We’ll also provide tips and strategies for companies to improve their employee experience and drive positive business results.
Employee Experience: What It Is and Why It Matters
According to a recent study by the American Institute of Stress, workplace stress costs U.S. businesses an estimated $300 billion annually in loss of productivity and increased healthcare costs.¹
Employee experience is the sum of all interactions an employee has with their employer throughout the employee lifecycle, from recruitment to exit. It encompasses the workplace’s physical, cultural, and technological aspects and can significantly impact employee engagement, productivity, and retention.
Investing in employee experience can mean success for companies. In addition, employee experience is linked to customer experience. Companies with engaged employees are more likely to deliver superior performances, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Research has shown that companies with solid employee experience outperform their competitors in a range of key business metrics, including revenue growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction. Companies that scored high on positive employee experience generated up to nearly three times the return on assets.²
How a Company’s Culture Can Affect Its Employees
One of the most significant drivers of employee experience is workplace culture. Workplace culture is the shared values, beliefs, and practices that shape the behavior of a company’s employees. When employees do not align with their company’s core values, it can lead to disengagement, dissatisfaction, and, ultimately, turnover.
When employees feel that their company’s values do not align with their own, they may feel disconnected from their work and disengaged from the company. This can lead to a range of adverse outcomes, including low morale, decreased productivity, and increased turnover.
In addition, when employees feel they are not being recognized or appreciated for their contributions, they may become demotivated. That’s why companies need to prioritize employee recognition and reward systems as a crucial part of their employee experience strategy.
In contrast, a positive workplace culture can make employees more engaged and productive and have better well-being. It fosters collaboration, trust, inclusivity, and open communication, leading to a more dynamic and productive workforce.
Ways to Improve Employee Experience
With the rise of remote work and the changing nature of the workplace, companies are prioritizing employee experience more to attract and retain possible candidates.
From offering employee benefits and perks to investing in employee development and growth, here are how you can improve the employee experience.
1. Offer Employee Benefits and Perks
This is an essential part of any employee experience strategy. Employee benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off can help employees feel more secure and valued. Meanwhile, perks such as flexible scheduling, free meals, and gym memberships can enhance their work-life balance and increase job satisfaction.
Of course, there are other things that you can implement in your business. You can choose from various perks that other companies are already giving, or you can create a unique benefit for your team. No matter which you choose, always remember that these perks should bring real value to your employees or cater to their genuine needs.
2. Creating a Positive Workplace Culture and Environment
Leadership plays a critical role in creating a positive workplace culture. Leaders who prioritize employee well-being and foster a culture of collaboration, trust, and inclusivity are more likely to drive positive employee experiences.
You can implement an open-door policy to encourage open communication, transparency, and constructive feedback. Keep them in the loop of things happening around the business, or simply ask them how their weekend was.
3. Provide a Nurturing Work Environment
A well-designed workplace is not just pleasing to the eyes but can lead to increased productivity and engagement. Employees who work in a clean, well-lit, and well-ventilated workspace are more likely to produce quality work.
For instance, companies can provide ergonomic chairs and desks, natural lighting, and quiet spaces for employees to recharge. In addition, you may want to consider creating opportunities for socialization and team building. This can include team lunches, company retreats, and other team-building activities.
Additionally, you may consider offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work, to improve work-life balance and lead to a more satisfied workforce.
4. Invest in Employee Development and Growth
Everyone appreciates support, and so do your employees too. When your team is motivated, it helps them commit to their task without sacrificing quality work. It’s a win-win for everyone; all you need to do is invest more in your team.
Try offering training and development programs, mentorship opportunities, and growth opportunities within the company. It’s also crucial to provide regular feedback and performance management to help employees understand their strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring they receive the support they need to grow.
5. Work-Life Balance or Work-Life Integration
Often, work duties and personal lives blur, resulting in employee burnout. You can help set clear boundaries between the two by implementing office rules like a no O.T. policy or avoiding work during weekends.
Some companies offer unlimited paid time off, while others offer parental leave or on-site childcare. These benefits can help your employees feel supported in their personal and professional lives.
You can also introduce a new concept that predates work-life balance: work-life integration. Instead of setting boundaries between life and work that often bleeds into each other, work-life integration harmonizes the two. Instead of just creating boundaries, encourage better work-life integration by offering flexible scheduling, remote work options, or providing work equipment to remote employees.
6. Don’t Hesitate to Reward and Recognize Their Efforts
Recognizing and rewarding employees for their hard work and contributions is not just a cause for celebration. If done right, it motivates them to do the same result or even level up their game. By having a more engaged and loyal workforce, your company will thrive even more.
One of the most common benefits you can reward employees is by giving them
- Bonuses
- Free professional development programs
- Employee discount
- Flexible work arrangement
It’s essential to make sure that recognition and rewards are given consistently and fairly by ensuring that they’re inclusive and accessible to all employees.
Create a Culture that Puts Employees First
Prioritizing employee experience is essential to building a successful and sustainable business. When you create a positive workplace culture, investing in employee development and growth, you’re more likely to keep your employees happy, reduce the risk of turnovers and expand your business.
INVEST IN YOUR EMPLOYEE’S EXPERIENCE WITH ACS PROFESSIONAL STAFFING
At ACS Professional Staffing, we understand the importance of putting people first. We work with companies to help them create and establish a strong workplace culture that prioritizes the employee experience.
If you’re interested in learning more about how ACS Professional Staffing can help your company improve your employee’s experience, reach out to us today.
References:
1. “Workplace Stress” The American Institute of Stress, Apr. 11, 2023, https://www.stress.org/workplace-stress
2. IBM Smarter Workforce Institute. “The Financial Impact of a Positive Employee Experience”, Apr. 11, 2023, https://www.ibm.com/downloads/cas/XEY1K26O