The 8 Stages of Employee Experience

What is Employee Experience?

“My philosophy has always been, if you can put staff first, your customers second, and shareholders third, effectively, in the end, the shareholders do well, the customers do better, and your staff remains happy.”🙂
Richard Branson

Employee Experience is the sum of the interactions between an organization and its employees, which influences their performance and sense of belonging. It’s the journey each employee takes within the company, from the attraction phase to the moment of departure. This is why taking care of every single stage is crucial. 💆

How to Structure Your Employee Experience?

A 2021 survey conducted by WTW revealed that 92% of companies plan to prioritize improving Employee Experience in the next three years. This is because we’re living in a time when people are increasingly seeking a job that offers meaning and purpose, not just a paycheck. The so-called “Great Employee Experience Awakening” requires special attention to how companies structure and manage their talent.

Here are the 8 stages of Employee Experience that every company should focus on:

1. Attraction

Employee Experience begins even before the person joins the company. The goal is to attract the best talent, and this starts with how we structure our job offers. At this stage, it’s essential to think about how candidates perceive the job ad and what image we project of our company. A small tip: be transparent about values and expectations. Confusing ads only attract confused candidates!

2. Recruitment

The recruitment phase is the first real contact with the future employee. Even if the candidate is not selected, ensure that the interview experience is positive and professional. This leaves a good impression and builds a solid corporate reputation. Don’t forget: Employee Experience is also about saying “no” politely.

3. Onboarding

The first 90 days are critical: a good onboarding process helps employees integrate quickly and understand the company culture, colleague dynamics, and work expectations. Statistically, about 30% of new hires leave during this period. Reduce turnover risk by providing support, mentorship, and clear information from the start. If a new employee feels “welcomed” from day one, the rest is easy!

4. Engagement

Engaging employees is crucial for making them feel like an integral part of the company. People often wonder how to make employees feel truly “ownership” of the business. The answer? Provide a clear purpose and well-defined goals. OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) can help, but what makes a real difference is involving employees in the decision-making process. This is the only way engagement becomes real and lasting.

5. Development

At this stage, the goal is to support employees in reaching their full potential. This means providing tools, continuous training, and creating an environment where they feel free to express their talents.Implement evaluation systems that don’t just judge but offer constructive feedback and opportunities for growth. This creates a positive environment where people want to improve, without the fear of being judged.

6. Performance

Implement evaluation systems that don’t just judge but offer constructive feedback and opportunities for growth. This creates a positive environment where people want to improve, without the fear of being judged.

7. Recognition

Don’t forget to recognize efforts! Offer rewards and bonuses to those who deserve them, publicly praise successes, and most importantly, never underestimate the power of a simple “thank you.”

Recognitions don’t always have to be financial: sometimes a sincere appreciation is enough to increase employee motivation and satisfaction. Remember, Employee Experience is also built through small gestures.

8. Exit

The last of the 8 stages of Employee Experience is perhaps the most delicate. A good exit strategy is not just about firing: it’s about a structured offboarding process, including an exit interview to understand the reasons behind the employee’s departure. The information gathered helps improve the Employee Experience for future generations of employees. Never underestimate the importance of closing things professionally and positively.

Conclusion

Well, we’ve talked about attracting, hiring, integrating, motivating, developing, and even saying goodbye with style.

If you manage these 8 stages of Employee Experience well, I can guarantee your employees won’t leave… unless they’re offered a dream package with a company car and a gym membership! 🏋️♂️

But, as we know, at that point, it’s better not to take it personally. 😉