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Rethinking Employee Experience
Cultivating Belonging, Leveraging Technology, and going Beyond Traditional Metrics
As we navigate the uncharted territories of the future workplace, one thing is clear: traditional approaches to employee engagement and workforce management are no longer sufficient. The stakes are high, with an estimated $8.9 trillion in lost productivity worldwide due to disengaged workers (as per Gallup). It's time for bold, transformative change.
Rethinking employee experience: The key to unlocking business success
Sometimes, seemingly intangible things drive the highest tangible outcomes. Employee Experience is one such metric.
Research overwhelmingly supports the critical role of employee experience (EX) in driving customer experience and, hence, business outcomes. Companies that invest in employee experience outperform those that don't, with a 16% premium on products and services (PwC). In the media industry, where consumers and employees are interchangeable, delivering superior EX is paramount.
Sometimes, seemingly intangible things drive the highest tangible outcomes. Employee Experience is one such metric.
To stay ahead, organisations must blur the boundaries between Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and employee experience, recognising that innovation is now linked to a broader gamut of factors. Holistic employee experience across touchpoints is essential as employees' interactions with the organisation continually evolve, more so as new ways of working become the new normal.
1. Cultivating belonging is crucial
A sense of belonging is essential for employee engagement and productivity. With employees 5.3 times more likely to perform their best work when they feel they belong (as per Salesforce), prioritising belonging is imperative. This requires aligning business metrics with employee engagement, recognising individual contributions, and celebrating milestones.
Employees are more influential than ever, and encouraging their influence on brand perception outside the organisation can also help them feel more engaged with the organisation for the employees to feel that they don't just work in an organisation; they represent it.
2. Integrating analytics for informed decision-making
Combining employee experience and business performance metrics provides a comprehensive view of organisational health. This integrated approach enables data-driven decisions prioritising employee engagement and business growth, ultimately driving innovation. All employees, regardless of their job functions, must feel aligned and responsible for their final business performance and potential. Combined analytics can shift the perspective in the boardroom.
3. Leveraging technology to enhance employee experience
Technology plays a vital role in shaping employee experiences. Implementing tools that facilitate seamless communication, feedback, and recognition is essential. Utilising data analytics to identify trends and areas for improvement will help create an EX responsive to employee needs.
4. The power of empathetic leadership
Engaged managers foster engaged employees (as per Gallup). Leaders must prioritise empathy, transparency, and open communication to create a culture of engagement. This leadership style will trickle down, inspiring employees to embody organisational values.
5. Rethinking internal communications
Internal communications should prioritise meaningful micro-conversations. Moving beyond surveys an focusing on nuanced, in-person interactions will help understand employees' concerns, aspirations, and ideas.
6. Embedding values-driven language
Organisational values should resonate throughout everyday communication. Using language that reflects the mission, vision, and culture reinforces identity and fosters community.
Measuring employee experience: Beyond traditional metrics
The way to go is to redefine engagement by moving beyond surveys and focusing on meaningful interactions.Help employees "steal time" for self-reflection and growth. Measure employee experience through metrics like NPS, retention rates, employee ambassadors, innovation, and idea generation.
Redefining employee engagement and workforce trends is critical in the rapidly evolving workplace. Organisations can unlock business success by recognising the importance of employee experience, belonging, technology, empathetic leadership, effective communication, and values-driven language. As we navigate this transformation, prioritising employee experience is not an option; it's imperative.
The only way ahead is to foster a culture where employees feel valued, heard, and empowered to drive innovation.
The time for transformation is now.
*Ms. Manu N. Wadhwa, Chief Human Resources Officer & Head IT at Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) brings over 25 years of global experience across industries. She has led initiatives in culture, leadership, talent management, mergers & acquisitions, HR transformation, and digital innovation, having held key roles at, Coca-Cola, American Express, and GE.
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Ms. Manu N. Wadhwa
Chief Human Resources Officer & Head IT - Sony Pictures Networks (SPN)
Owned by: Institute of Directors, India
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the articles/ stories are the personal opinions of the author. IOD/ Editor is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in those articles. The information, facts or opinions expressed in the articles/ speeches do not reflect the views of IOD/ Editor and IOD/ Editor does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
