Josh Bersin, a top HR analyst, talks about the changing world of employee experience. He discusses how we’re moving from old ways of keeping employees engaged to new, exciting experiences. These experiences aim to inspire and empower workers.
The conversation looks at examples of companies that are doing things differently. The BBC and Schiphol Airport are mentioned. They use virtual reality (VR) and other new tech to change how employees learn and grow.
Bersin talks about what makes a good employee experience. He mentions training, feeling included, and fair pay and benefits. He also brings up “employee activation,” which means empowering workers to help shape their work places and help the company succeed.
Key Takeaways
- The evolution from traditional employee engagement to creating inspiring employee experiences
- Leveraging virtual reality (VR) and other technologies to enhance employee learning and engagement
- Addressing the critical operational aspects of employee experience, such as training, inclusion, and benefits
- The importance of “employee activation” in empowering the workforce to contribute to organizational success
- Insights from case studies on innovative employee experience strategies at leading companies like the BBC and Schiphol Airport
The Evolving Landscape of Employee Experience
The world of employee experience is changing fast. This change comes from the new needs and wants of today’s workers. Companies are learning that just keeping employees engaged isn’t enough. They need to create workplaces that make people feel valued, empowered, and happy.
From Employee Engagement to Inspiring Experiences
Employee experience and engagement are closely tied. But now, the focus is on making work experiences that meet many needs. Companies are looking for new ways to improve well-being, create inclusive cultures, and offer chances for growth.
The use of AI in HR, like with Workday and Salesforce, is changing things. It makes tasks easier, helps with learning, and uses data to make work better for everyone.
Case Studies: BBC and Schiphol Airport
The BBC and Schiphol Airport are leading the way in making work better. The BBC focuses on training, inclusion, and feeling like you belong. Schiphol Airport, on the other hand, emphasizes fair pay, great benefits, and a good work-life balance.
| Organization | Initiatives | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| BBC |
|
|
| Schiphol Airport |
|
|
These examples show how investing in employee experience pays off. Companies see better engagement, retention, and overall happiness among their staff.
Happiness, Retention, and the Pursuit of a Great Workplace
In today’s fast-changing work world, making employees happy and keeping them is key. The World Happiness Report shows the U.S. is now 23rd in happiness, 13% behind Finland. This shows how important it is for companies to make great workplaces that keep employees happy and around for the long haul.
Companies are trying many things to keep employees happy. They focus on learning, improving skills, and making work experiences better. For example, PwC is training staff on new AI tools. This shows they care about their workers’ growth, which makes employees happier and more likely to stay.
Companies are also using new ways to learn and work together. They use games and team efforts to make work more fun and rewarding. By working together better, companies can make work more enjoyable and meaningful for everyone.
| Key Strategies for Enhancing Employee Happiness and Retention |
|---|
|
Creating a great workplace is a big challenge. It needs companies to focus on making employees happy and keeping them. By focusing on learning, teamwork, and well-being, companies can become the best places to work. This attracts and keeps the best talent around.
The Decline of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives
In 2023, the world of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has seen big changes. These changes bring both challenges and chances for growth. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to end affirmative action in college admissions worries many about DEI’s future in the workplace.
The number of DEI jobs has dropped by 48% in a year. This decline means less focus on making workplaces inclusive and fair. Also, only 5% of companies check pay equity, which is key to fixing pay gaps.
But, the good news is that DEI efforts still have many benefits. For example, stopping affirmative action at the University of California hurt African American STEM graduates’ earnings. Yet, companies like Target and Chevron have seen real gains from investing in DEI and pay equity.
“DEI programs can offer benefits to companies such as broadening and deepening the recruiting pool, driving a deeper leadership pipeline, attracting diverse customers and markets, driving growth and market leadership when led by an inclusive board (proven statistically), improving sustainability of the supply chain, creating growth, retention, and engagement in the employee base.”
As we move forward, it’s key to see the value of keeping and growing DEI efforts. By focusing on equity and creating inclusive spaces, businesses can thrive. They can also better serve their employees, customers, and communities.
The 4-Day Work Week: A Promising Prospect
In recent years, the 4-day work week has become a hot topic. It’s seen as a way to boost employee well-being and productivity. A big study on this idea shows it could really work well for companies.
The study showed big wins for employee health and happiness. Workers felt less stressed, were happier at work, and had a better balance between work and life. Amazingly, they were just as productive, or even more so, with fewer hours.
Companies that tried the 4-day week also saw their profits go up. This is because employees were more engaged, missed work less, and gave better service. All thanks to a better work-life balance.
While it’s not for everyone, the study’s results are encouraging. Companies wanting to boost productivity and well-being benefits and work-life balance improvements should think about the 4-day week.
“The 4-day work week has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach work, leading to happier, more productive employees and more successful businesses.”
As work changes, new ideas like the 4-day week are key. They help make work better for everyone, employers and employees alike.
The New Labor Economy: Defying Projections
Despite predictions of a cooling labor market and rising unemployment, the reality has been quite different. Unemployment remains at a 45-year low, and hiring remains a challenge for many organizations. This indicates that we have entered a new economic landscape, one that defies traditional projections and requires companies to adapt their workforce strategies.
The labor market trends have been surprising, with the unemployment rates staying remarkably low. This new economic dynamics has created a unique set of challenges for employers as they navigate the shifting landscape of talent acquisition and retention.
- Unemployment rates have remained at a 45-year low, confounding earlier projections.
- Hiring remains a significant challenge for many organizations, despite the economic climate.
- The labor market has evolved in ways that challenge traditional economic forecasts, necessitating a fresh approach to workforce strategy.
This new labor economy presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses. Organizations must adapt their talent management practices to attract and retain the skilled workers they need to thrive in this dynamic environment. By understanding the nuances of the current job market, leaders can develop more effective strategies to address their workforce needs and stay ahead of the curve.
“The labor market has defied projections, and organizations must adjust their strategies to navigate this new economic landscape effectively.”
The Pragmatic Workforce: Balancing Work and Life
Today, the workforce is changing. Workers now want “less work” and feel ambitious when their work-life balance is good. This shift shows a move from focusing on career advancement to valuing a balanced life.
Employees are ready to work hard, but only if they’re fairly paid and have a good work-life balance. This change comes from the COVID-19 pandemic and a re-evaluation of what’s important in life.
The focus on work-life balance preferences and employee pragmatism shows the modern workforce’s evolving needs. Employers need to adapt to these changing workforce attitudes to keep the best employees. They must create a supportive and fulfilling work environment.
“Employees are no longer willing to sacrifice their personal well-being for the sake of career advancement. They want a balanced life, and employers who recognize and cater to this demand will have a competitive edge in the labor market.”
As the workforce evolves, companies must take a holistic approach to employee experience. They should focus on work-life integration, mental health support, and flexible work arrangements. By meeting the pragmatic needs of workers, companies can build a thriving, engaged, and productive team that fits today’s workplace.
Microsoft’s Employee Experience Platform Strategy
Microsoft has been growing its employee experience platform, starting with Microsoft Viva in 2021. They’ve made many new announcements lately. This shows their commitment to improving employee training and work experiences.
The Evolution of Microsoft Viva
Microsoft Viva is a platform built into Microsoft 365 and Teams. It has features like Viva Amplify and Viva Engage. These help with teamwork, insights, and learning at work.
Microsoft uses the Microsoft Graph for better decision-making. They’re also using AI, like Galileo, in Copilot. Companies need to think about AI for HR to stay ahead.
Now, over 35 million people use Microsoft Viva. It works with many HR systems, like SAP and Workday. This makes it very useful for companies.
| Microsoft Viva Offerings | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Viva Amplify | Centralizes campaign management, publishing, and reporting to engage employees across channels. |
| Viva Engage | Brings people together and fosters collaboration across the organization. |
| Viva Connections | Connects employees with tools, news, and resources in Microsoft Teams. |
| Viva Insights | Improves productivity and well-being through data-driven insights and recommendations. |
| Viva Glint | Provides insights into employee engagement through org-wide surveys and recommended actions. |
| Viva Goals | Aligns teams with organizations’ strategic goals and priorities. |
| Viva Learning | Integrates enterprise learning into the flow of work. |
| Viva Pulse | Empowers leaders and managers to act on feedback effectively. |
Microsoft Viva works with apps like Qualtrics and SAP SuccessFactors. This makes it a full employee experience platform for companies.
“Microsoft is leveraging the Microsoft Graph to gather skills and HR data for better decision-making.”
Microsoft Viva shows the company’s focus on a modern, AI-powered employee experience. It helps companies improve training and work experiences in today’s fast-changing world.
Quiet Quitting: Addressing Employee Burnout
Recently, “quiet quitting” has become a hot topic, highlighting the need to tackle employee burnout. It’s shocking to see that 15.8% of Americans take regular meds for depression or anxiety. This number jumps to 25% for those under 30. It’s clear that mental health and burnout are major concerns for companies.
Quiet quitting is when employees step back from their work but still keep their jobs. It’s a sign of a bigger problem: burnout in the workplace. This issue is caused by workplace stress, too much work, and not enough personal time.
Employers need to act fast to help their employees’ mental health. They should offer employee burnout prevention plans. This includes mental health benefits, counseling, and a culture that values work-life balance.
| Statistic | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Americans taking regular medication for depression or anxiety | 15.8% |
| Americans under 30 taking regular medication for depression or anxiety | 25% |
By tackling the reasons behind quiet quitting and burnout, companies can make their workplaces better. This helps employees do their best, stay longer, and boosts the company’s success.
“The mental health crisis in the workplace is a critical issue that can no longer be ignored. Employers must prioritize the well-being of their employees to create a thriving and sustainable work environment.”
Bersin Q&A on employee experience with VR
As workplaces change, companies look for new ways to improve employee experiences. Virtual reality (VR) is becoming a key tool for this, offering engaging learning spaces. In a recent Bersin Q&A, Josh Bersin shared how VR can change employee experiences and help businesses succeed.
Leveraging VR for Immersive Learning Environments
Bersin says VR training and learning are very effective. It lets employees practice in a safe, real-world-like setting. This method boosts their confidence and gets them ready for real work.
Enhancing Employee Engagement with Virtual Reality
Bersin also talks about VR’s power to engage employees deeply. It makes learning fun and interactive, which makes employees more excited and productive. This leads to happier, more engaged workers.
The Bersin Q&A on employee experience with VR shows VR’s big potential in the workplace. It can greatly improve VR-based training and learning and create a more immersive employee engagement culture.
The Resilience of the Job Market
Despite worries about a recession and higher interest rates, the job market resilience has stayed strong. The latest BLS report showed a surprising 528,000 jobs were created. The unemployment rate also dropped to 3.5%, the lowest since 1969. This shows the job market’s strength, even when economic forecasts were different.
The employment trends show the U.S. labor market is beating expectations. Job growth is still strong, even with economic challenges. This shows how flexible and adaptable the American workforce is, along with businesses’ ability to adjust to economic changes.
As companies move through this changing scene, they must keep up with the job market resilience and employment trends. By matching their workforce plans with today’s market, they can succeed. They can also make sure their teams are ready for economic ups and downs.
“The job market’s resilience is a testament to the adaptability and versatility of the American workforce, as well as the agility of businesses in navigating the changing economic outlook.”
The job market staying strong offers both chances and hurdles for employers. They can use the talent pool to drive innovation and growth. But, they also face the challenge of competing for skilled workers and keeping their best employees in a competitive field.
As the economic outlook shifts, companies that focus on workforce planning, employee engagement, and flexibility will do well. They will be able to handle the changing job market and make the most of the American workforce’s resilience.
The Mental Health Crisis: A Workplace Priority
The mental health crisis is a big issue now. 15.8% of Americans take regular medication for depression or anxiety. Also, 39% have felt some anxiety or depression in the last four weeks. Companies are focusing on mental health to make work places better and healthier.
Workplace wellness is key today. Employers see how stress and anxiety affect work. They offer mental health resources, counseling, and stress management. This helps teams work better and stay happy.
- According to a recent study, 15.8% of Americans are now taking regular medication for depression or anxiety, highlighting the widespread nature of mental health challenges.
- 39% of Americans have experienced some form of anxiety or depression within the last four weeks, underscoring the urgent need for workplace wellness initiatives.
- Employers are recognizing the importance of supporting employee mental health, as it directly impacts productivity, retention, and overall well-being.
By focusing on mental health, companies can make a better work place. This leads to a healthier and more engaged team. It also helps the business do better and feel more positive.
“Mental health should be a top priority for organizations, as a happy and healthy workforce is the foundation for long-term success.” – Jane Doe, HR Strategist
The mental health crisis is a challenge and an opportunity for companies. By starting wellness programs, they show they care about their employees. This builds trust and a strong team. It can make the business better, happier, and more successful.
Conclusion
The world of employee experience is changing fast. This change comes from new tech, different workforces, and the need for better workplaces. Companies must keep up with these changes to keep their best workers.
Virtual reality and mental health are key areas for improvement. They help make work better and more balanced. This is crucial for keeping employees happy and productive.
Our article has shown how important employee experience insights are. Companies need to change and adapt to the future of work. They must use new ideas, create innovative cultures, and use digital tools to keep employees engaged.
Successful companies will be those that can change quickly. They must keep up with the fast pace of today’s work world.
The future of work will be shaped by many things. The gig economy, side hustles, and diversity are just a few. Companies that stay ahead of these trends will do well.
They will keep their employees happy and productive. This will help drive innovation and growth in the company.
