In today’s competitive landscape, effective boards and senior management teams recognize the profound impact that employee experience has on a company’s financial health. A superior employee experience correlates strongly with better financial outcomes due to more engaged, healthier, and financially secure employees who are equipped to make smarter decisions and drive exceptional results.

Defining Employee Experience

Employee experience has emerged as a pivotal concept within modern organizations, pivotal in attracting, retaining, and engaging top talent. It encompasses the entirety of an employee’s journey within a company—from recruitment and onboarding to daily tasks, career progression, and even external factors impacting their families. A truly positive employee experience is one where employees feel genuinely valued and connected to the company’s mission, supported by a culture that promotes growth, collaboration, and well-being across four dimensions: Purpose, People, Work, and Total Rewards.

Board and Senior Leadership Roles in Employee Experience

1. Connection Between Experience and Performance:

   • Recent studies by WTW highlight that companies with top-tier employee experiences see nearly triple the revenue growth and significantly higher profit margins and returns on equity than the global average. Moreover, a vast majority of employees in these companies believe in the clear vision set forth by their leadership.

2. Impact of Wellbeing and Employee Experience:

   • The materiality of human capital and wellbeing is increasingly recognized for its extensive impact on both financial and operational outcomes. Companies excelling in employee wellbeing integrate it as a core aspect of their culture, achieving markedly better performance metrics.

3. Governance of Purpose, Trust, Values, and Innovation:

   • Purpose and Vision: High-performing boards and leaders are proficient in articulating and maintaining a compelling company purpose that inspires and aligns employees.
   • Trust and Values: Organizations thrive when employee trust is sustained through transparent and values-driven leadership decisions.
   • Innovation: Leading companies foster a culture of innovation that anticipates market changes and focuses on delivering value to customers, thereby maintaining competitive advantage.

4. Monitoring and Progress:

   • Effective governance involves ongoing monitoring of various aspects of the employee experience:
     • Attitudes and Perspectives: Metrics like employee burnout, retention, satisfaction, and trust in leadership are crucial.
     • Wellbeing: This includes physical, emotional, financial, and social wellbeing, monitored through comprehensive health coverage, behavioral health services, financial security programs, and inclusion metrics.
     • Total Rewards: Ensuring that compensation, benefits, and career opportunities align with employee needs and preferences.
     • Change Readiness: Evaluating the organization’s readiness for change to stay agile and responsive.

The governance role of boards and senior management in enhancing employee experience is critical. By developing a deeper understanding of the employee journey, continuously measuring its impact, and fostering an environment that prioritizes wellbeing and innovation, leadership can drive their organizations to greater heights in an increasingly turbulent business environment. Boards and C-suites are not just overseeing strategies but are actively shaping the futures of their companies through the lens of employee experience.