Our business landscape is in constant flux. Organizations are grappling with the aftermath of global events, economic shifts, and the rapid integration of technologies like artificial intelligence. Complex change, at pace, is a constant. Innovative organizations have become more agile, adapting their strategy, customer engagement approaches, and operating models to meet the demands of this fast-paced world.
It comes as no surprise that most organizations are currently running some kind of large-scale internal transformation program. However, amid these transformations, one critical aspect often takes a backseat – the employee experience (EX). It’s easy to enhance your EX agenda when things are going well, but things become more challenging during tougher economic conditions.
Defining EX
Before delving deeper into the importance of EX during transformation, let’s define it. According to Gartner, employee experience is defined as “the way in which employees interpret the interactions they have with their organization, as well as the context that underlies those interactions”.1
EX extends beyond what has traditionally been understood as ‘employee engagement’ and tends to focus more on communications and policy enhancements. It encompasses how the cumulative day-to-day interaction points within an organization are perceived and understood by employees. In simpler terms, it’s not just about what a company says or does; it’s about how employees actually experience it. Even well-intentioned messages can come across as inauthentic or incongruent, if they don’t align with the actions of leadership or the everyday reality that employees face. Such a disconnect between words and actions can ultimately lead to a negative employee experience.
The EX imperative
During periods of internal and external turbulence, prioritising EX is not just a moral obligation for a happy workforce, it’s a strategic necessity. Engaged and trusting employees are the driving force behind achieving transformation goals. Consider these facts:
- happy employees take ten times fewer sick days;
- the most engaged employees are 87% less likely to leave their company; and
- highly engaged workforces contribute to 21% higher profitability.2
Enhancing EX is a win-win for both employees and the bottom line.
Three approaches for a thriving EX
Employees across the globe are naturally apprehensive about the uncertainty that comes with AI, the aftermath of COVID-19 and potential layoffs. Organizations that intentionally shape their employee experience can drive more sustainable performance. Here are three strategies for approaching EX during transformation.
1. Intentionally design ‘moments of joy’
Joy connects people more powerfully than almost any other human experience. Individuals who experience joy are more likely to feel energized, safe, resilient and optimistic. This is in part because joy reduces stress by calming the ‘fight or flight’ response and promoting relaxation through the parasympathetic nervous system, even benefiting the cardiovascular system. High performing organizations purposefully cultivate ’moments of joy’ – they don’t happen by accident. They provide opportunities where the current state can be influenced, reinforced or changed to improve the overall employee experience. These moments foster team connection, personal growth and a deeper understanding of how individual contributions impact the organization.
- Include your employees in the design of your future state. When employees feel that they have a say in shaping the future of the organization, it can lead to a sense of ownership and joy in being part of the process.
- Build recognition and celebrations into your engagement approach. Whether it’s hitting project targets, successfully implementing changes, or reaching a project milestone, recognizing and appreciating employees’ efforts publicly goes a long way.
- Provide opportunities for professional growth. This can include skill development through training, coaching and the potential for career advancement within the organization.
- Make time for connection. Hybrid working and large scales of change often sacrifice true connection across your employee networks. Purposefully build it into your schedule, and who knows, perhaps friendships will flourish!
2. Use data to understand – and act upon – employee sentiment
A data-driven approach to understanding employee sentiment plays a pivotal role in building empathy and shaping EX during transformation. Through harnessing data analytics and feedback mechanisms, organizations can gain valuable insights into how employees perceive and react to the ongoing changes. This data-driven insight empowers leaders to make informed decisions, identify pain points and proactively address employee concerns, ultimately fostering a more resilient and supportive work environment during times of upheaval.
3. Double down on supporting your leaders
Effective leadership is a cornerstone of thriving EX during times of transformation, and employee’s perception of their experience is disproportionately dependent on their relationship with their leaders.
To ensure you as a leader are equipped to drive EX, consider the following key behaviours.
Be authentic
- Authenticity builds trust and fosters connection.
- Encourage sincerity and transparency in all interactions.
Be accessible
- Define how you will be approachable and available to your teams.
- Choose the right communication channels, considering one-on-one meetings, video messages or all-staff emails.
Visibly empower
- Explicitly create opportunities for empowerment and recognition.
- Ensure these opportunities are visible to all employees, even in remote or decentralized settings.
Show vulnerability
- Consider whether you can share vulnerable moments throughout your transformation and demonstrate sincerity.
- Foster psychological safety, where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns without fear of reprisal.
Don’t underestimate the importance of EX
The significance of proactively designing a positive employee experience cannot be overstated. It’s not merely a matter of fostering happier employees but is central to an organization’s ability to thrive amid turbulence. By embracing the principles of EX, organizations can ensure that their employees remain motivated, resilient and aligned with the company’s transformation goals, positioning themselves for sustainable success in an ever-evolving business landscape.
If you would like to talk to us about employee experience and how we can help you meet your transformation needs, get in touch today.
