3 tips to improve employee experience and productivity

Expectations surrounding the employee experience have never been higher. More than just a buzzword, it has become a central focus for companies looking to foster a positive culture, increase productivity, and retain top talent. The numbers speak for themselves — employees who have a positive experience are 68% less likely to leave their organization.

As employees seek more — flexibility, recognition and growth opportunities — companies must adapt to stay competitive. However, corporate giants risk falling behind with rigid new mandates, such as requiring employees to return to the office five days a week. While the long-term effects of these policies remain uncertain, it's evident that their employee experience is at a critical crossroads.

The good news is that companies don't need to overhaul their entire operations to improve employee experience. There are practical steps any organization can take to create a more engaged, satisfied and loyal workforce. By prioritizing onboarding, leveraging feedback loops, and fostering stronger cross-department collaboration, companies can set the stage for a positive employee journey from start to finish.

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Prioritize the onboarding process

Creating a positive employee experience starts the moment someone walks through the door or, in today's world, logs in remotely. The onboarding process plays a critical role in setting the tone for an employee's journey within the company. Yet, according to recent studies, only 12% of employees say their organization has a good onboarding process. 

A structured yet simple onboarding program that reflects company values and provides essential tools and training can boost retention by 52% and productivity by 60%. For example, an updated onboarding process at one company had new employees fully productive two months faster than the employees who went through their traditional onboarding process.

An easy way to improve onboarding is to implement an all-in-one digital platform that can automate document collection, provide self-paced training modules and create a digital welcome hub — allowing new hires to feel better connected, informed, and empowered to hit the ground running. When employees receive this level of support from the start, it fosters greater engagement and a stronger connection to the company's goals.

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Leverage feedback loops for professional development

A strong onboarding process is only the beginning. To maintain a positive employee experience, companies must commit to continuous improvement. Regular feedback is key to ensuring employees remain engaged, feel supported and have the opportunity for growth. Through one-on-ones, surveys, or informal check-ins, organizations can gather valuable insights into employee satisfaction and identify areas that need attention.

Companies that have implemented ongoing feedback mechanisms experience a 30% increase in employee engagement. Moreover, employees who receive feedback daily are nearly four times more likely to feel motivated to produce outstanding work — compared to those who receive it only once a year. ​​This ongoing dialogue ensures that employees feel heard and supported while adapting their career development to match their evolving interests and producing great work. Continuous feedback also aids in professional growth, providing employees with clear pathways for skill-building and mentorship. 

Additionally, cultivating a recognition culture — both formal and informal — keeps employees motivated, contributing to sustained satisfaction and performance. While individual managers play a pivotal role in creating this feedback loop, it must start from the top down to truly foster a company-wide commitment to growth and development.

Foster cross-department collaboration

While a great onboarding process and feedback loops are crucial, an often overlooked yet powerful way to enhance the employee experience is by fostering cross-department collaboration. When employees work with colleagues from other departments, they break down silos and develop a deeper understanding of the company's broader goals. This not only strengthens relationships within the organization but also contributes to a more team-oriented, innovative work environment.

A Deloitte study found that 73% of employees who engage in collaborative work report improved performance, while 60% say it sparks their innovation. The benefits of a community-centric culture go beyond just enhanced productivity — they also play a significant role in employee retention. A dynamic, inclusive work environment where employees see the impact of their contributions fosters a sense of belonging, which in turn improves job satisfaction and reduces turnover.

One way to promote cross-department collaboration is by encouraging the formation of employee resource groups (ERGs). These groups allow employees to connect with others who share similar interests, backgrounds, or experiences. But ERGs shouldn't be siloed within their own departments — they should be inclusive and marketed to the entire organization. By encouraging participation across departments, companies can build stronger connections and create a more integrated, supportive culture. ERGs not only help employees grow personally but also contribute to a sense of community that positively impacts the overall employee experience.

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The long-term impact of investing in employee experience

With global employee engagement at a low of 23% last year, it's clear that the employee experience is playing an increasingly important role in shaping business success. Investing in a truly exceptional employee experience delivers lasting benefits — increased loyalty, elevated performance and a powerful edge in attracting and retaining top talent.

Companies that prioritize the well-being, growth, and satisfaction of their employees will not only thrive in a competitive landscape, but will also future-proof their success. In today's fast-evolving business world, enhancing the employee experience isn't just an option — it's a critical strategy for long-term growth and sustainability. 

Read more about the importance of thoughtful onboarding strategies:

1. Ineffective onboarding is hurting employee retention 
2. Consider these onboarding tips for remote and hybrid companies
3. Hiring recent grads? How to onboard them effectively