Losing great employees can be costly for many different reasons. In fact, Gallup found that replacing a full-time employee can cost anywhere between half to two times the amount of that employee’s annual salary. It’s no wonder why organizations are beginning to prioritize improving the employee experience.
Gartner defines employee experience as “the way in which employees internalize and interpret the interactions they have with their organization.” When people feel welcomed and valued, they are more likely to stay. That may sound simple on the surface, but strategies need to be put in place to make sure employees feel this way. Here are four ways to improve the employee experience.
Employee surveys
A great way to measure employee experience is by conducting employee surveys. Hearing from employees on a consistent basis allows organizations to keep a pulse on their staff. SHRM listed the three most common types of employee surveys as: employee opinion and satisfaction surveys, employee culture surveys, and employee engagement surveys.
Surveys set an expectation among employees that positive change will occur. Responding correctly to a survey can certainly improve employee morale and engagement. But, the wrong response, or no response, can have the opposite effect. This is why it’s important to take plenty of time when planning and executing surveys.
Recognize employees
Recognition is a large part of the employee experience. When an employee feels like their hard work isn’t appreciated, they are less likely to be engaged in future projects. Instead, taking a few moments to thank employees for their hard work can go a long way.
Recognition should be sincere, not something that should be seen as a checklist item. It should be an effort to let employees know that they are valued within the organization. By doing this, organizations are also communicating expectations to employees on a consistent basis.
In order to be consistent with employee recognition, organizations can develop an employee recognition program. A recognition program establishes a guideline to make sure recognition is given out fairly and objectively. A program can define where awards are given out, whether it be at a special event, company luncheon, or staff meeting. This is a great way to let employees know they are valued, which ultimately improves their experience with the organization.
Incorporate technology
We live in a world where people expect information immediately. Whether it be a Google search or an app on a smartphone, technology has created a reliance on immediate access to information.
According to Deloitte, Millennial employees will account for as much as 75% of the workforce by 2025. Millennial and Generation Z employees have had access to technology for most of their lives. By equipping these employees with technology, you are empowering them to get their work done with tools that they are familiar with.
Incorporating technology in the workplace can relieve employees of monotonous tasks and save time for other important duties. Time and attendance software relieves managers and HR of the tedious work that comes along with manually processing employee data.
Request time off using a mobile app
Request time off using a desktop
Leave interviews
When an employee decides to leave a company, it is important to understand why they are leaving. Are they leaving because they were offered better pay? Are they unhappy with the current culture? The reasons could be endless, but taking time to sit down with departing employees can provide valuable insight when improving a retention plan.
There are two ways to handle a departing employee. The first way would be to get upset at them for leaving. The second way would be to congratulate them and to understand what attracted them to their new offer. If the departing employee is honest, and they typically are, being receptive to their reasoning is a great way to improve the employee experience for current and future staff.
Retaining great employees has become a greater priority than ever before. Organizations have been faced with this reality, and have turned to improving their employee experience. A great place to start is to thank employees for their hard work – it can go a long way!
