Understanding People Experiences at Work

People experience, also known as the employee journey or employee lifecycle, refers to the sum of all interactions and touchpoints that a colleague has with a company or organisation over the course of their employment. It includes everything from the hiring process and onboarding, to daily work tasks and interactions with colleagues and management, to career development and offboarding. The way a company handles these interactions can greatly impact how employees perceive and remember the company, and ultimately, whether they choose to stay with the organisation or leave.

In today's competitive business landscape, companies are increasingly focusing on improving the people experience as a way to attract and retain top talent, as well as increase productivity and engagement among their workforce. This is because people who have a positive experience with a company are more likely to be satisfied in their roles, feel a sense of loyalty to the organisation, and be more productive. In fact, research has shown that companies with a positive people experience tend to have lower turnover rates and higher levels of employee engagement, which can lead to improved business outcomes such as increased profitability and customer satisfaction.

I love describing the People Experience as:

The totality of perceptions and sentiments people have and hold about every aspect of their interactions with the organisation they work with and for.        

If this helps with the business case for People Experience, here are some interesting stats:

1. 美国麻省理工学院 - 斯隆管理学院 research shows that businesses in the top quartile on People Experience have double the customer loyalty of those companies in the bottom quartile
2. Salesforce noted that employees who feel their voice is heard ?(a hallmark of good people experience) are 4.6 times more likely to "give it their all" at work
3. According to author Jacob Morgan in The Employee Experience Advantage, EX leaders have 40% less employee turnover than their competitors
4. Companies with highly engaged workforces are 21 percent more profitable than those with poor engagement ( Gallup Q12)
5. Companies with great people experience outperform the standard & poor's (s&p) 500 by 147% percent ( Glassdoor Study)
6. Harvard Business Review reports that those organisations that invested most heavily in People Experience are included in Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies list 28 times more often
7. Josh Bersin ’s research highlights that companies leveraging the right People Experience strategies are 5.1x times more likely to create a sense of belonging as well as engage and retain their employees?

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There are several key factors that contribute to a positive people experience. These include:

1. Hiring process: The hiring process can set the tone for an employee's experience with a company. Companies that have a clear and efficient hiring process, as well as a welcoming and inclusive culture, are more likely to have a positive employee experience.
2. Onboarding: A comprehensive and well-structured onboarding process can help new employees feel welcomed and supported as they transition into their roles. This can include training and orientation, as well as opportunities to meet and connect with colleagues.
3. Work environment: A positive work environment is essential for a positive employee experience. This can include things like a pleasant physical workspace, supportive colleagues and management, and opportunities for collaboration and teamwork.
4. Career development: Employees appreciate opportunities for growth and advancement within an organisation. Companies that offer training and development opportunities, as well as clear career paths and advancement opportunities, are more likely to have a positive employee experience.
5. Work-life balance: A healthy work-life balance is important for employee well-being and satisfaction. Companies that offer flexible work arrangements and support employees in achieving a balance between their professional and personal lives are more likely to have a positive employee experience.

In addition to these factors, companies can also improve their people's experience by creating a positive and inclusive culture that values diversity and inclusivity. When people feel like they belong and are valued by their company, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to the organisation.

There are several ways that companies can measure the employee experience, including listening posts, open conversations, employee pulse and journey surveys, focus groups, and exit interviews (more about these in a future article). By tracking these metrics, companies can identify areas for improvement and make changes to enhance the people experience.

Improving the people experience can have a number of benefits for companies. In addition to the potential for increased employee retention and productivity, a positive employee experience can also lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, as well as a stronger employer brand reputation. This can ultimately lead to increased profitability and long-term success for the company.

Overall, the People Experience is an important factor to consider for any company looking to attract and retain top talent, as well as foster a positive and productive work environment. By focusing on the hiring process, onboarding, work environment, career development, and work-life balance, companies can create a positive employee experience that will drive business success and help them stand out as an employer of choice.