Top Employee Experience (EX) trends for 2023

What is employee experience, and why is it relevant now?

Employee experience (EX) is the relationship a company and an employee create with each other at every stage of an employee's journey, from their recruitment until the time they leave the organization. This is crucial because it shapes the way employees perceive the company's values, vision, and culture, and dictates how employees interact with each other and approach their work.

Over the years, especially since the pandemic, there has been a shift in lifestyles and perspectives. Employees are no longer willing to work for organizations that don’t align with their values, and rightfully so. If an organization is looking to bring out the best in their employees, then the role of EX cannot be overlooked. To put it simply: any negative experience an employee has with the company is going to impact the business negatively. This is why getting employee experience right is more important than ever.

The future of employee experience

According to a report by Qualtrics, these are the four main factors that will influence Employee Experience EX in 2023:

1. Understanding and going beyond monetary benefits

2. Giving importance to employee well-being

3. Improving processes

4. Leading with purpose and integrity

1. Understanding and going beyond monetary benefits

While fair and inclusive pay is one of the main drivers for employees, it’s also essential for companies to instill confidence in employees, especially during economically turbulent times.

How can companies do this?

• Be transparent and honest about where the company/business stands in the market.

• Understand what employees' expectations are in terms of compensation and other benefits.

• Be willing to have an open dialogue with employees on whether they’re being treated fairly.

2. Giving importance to employee well-being

According to Indeed & Glassdoor’s Hiring and Workplace Trends Report 2023, 90% of people believe how an employee feels at work matters. Employees have also started prioritizing their work-life balance to feel rejuvenated and healthy. In this context, it’s crucial that companies promote a positive culture that puts employee happiness first.

How can companies do this?

• Check in with employees to make sure they aren’t overwhelmed and anxious. Provide the option of connecting them with an in-house counselor, if needed.

• Treat employees with respect and listen to any feedback they have to share.

• Provide flexible work options. Allow employees—including your frontline workers—to choose their hours of work and their mode of work, be it at office, hybrid, or remote.

• Encourage employees to form interest groups, such as a book club or a music or art group, and develop camaraderie across the organization.

3. Improving processes

When employees aren't equipped with the right tools or when there is not much clarity on the legacy processes that exist, they risk burnout. When processes and tools are inefficient, employees cannot remain productive.

How can companies do this?

• Identify what’s causing employees to feel burned out and take affirmative action.

• Run surveys regularly to understand if a process is working the way it was intended to.

• Build transparency and deliver information in a timely manner.

• Innovate and constantly upgrade processes. For example, go paperless so it's easy for remote, hybrid, and frontline employees to access the forms they need.

4. Leading with purpose and integrity

Organizations need to be purpose-driven and have clear values in their approach towards their vision. For employees, working isn't just a means to financial stability, it’s also a part of their value system. Employees look for organizations that reflect and advocate their principles. This includes an organization's diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) efforts, opportunities for learning and growth, and more.

How can companies do this?

• Understand employees' career goals and provide opportunities for them to learn, upskill, and advance their goals.

• Leaders need to clearly communicate the company's vision and goals to ensure that employees are aligned to it.

• Instill a sense of belonging in all employees and make them feel appreciated by creating a healthy work environment, both offline and online.

• Encourage employees to share their ideas, challenge existing norms, and never be afraid to try something new.

Implementing all of this requires a little help, but companies aren’t on their own in this endeavor. EX platforms have been increasingly gaining prominence due to their ability to improve internal communications and employee engagement. Both of these aspects positively affect the employee experience. Platforms like Zoho Connect are loaded with capabilities that help you achieve the culture that you’ve been dreaming of.

Successful businesses are built by happy and engaged employees. What better way to get a head start this year than by prioritizing your employees' happiness?