6 Ways to Build a Better Workplace Experience

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Only 1 in 3 employees felt engaged at work in 2023, according to Gallup’s annual survey of employee engagement. In other words, two-thirds of the American workforce is disconnected, detached, and disengaged at work today, representing more than 100 million workers and costing employers an estimated $1.9 trillion in lost productivity each year.

Workers expect more today than ever before. In the aftermath of the Great Resignation, a strong labor market bolstered worker power, creating space for employees to demand higher wages, better benefits, and workplaces that prioritize their well-being. And many companies began to step up, raising wages for the rank-and-file and promising greater flexibility and work-life balance in the post-pandemic workplace.

Still, these efforts continue to fall short of the rising expectations and needs of workers, who seek financial security and a more supportive workplace as the cost of living skyrockets, layoffs loom, and employee burnout grows. Another Gallup survey found that employees are considering taking action — about 50% are looking to change jobs, identifying well-being and work-life balance as the top reasons for doing so.

In recent months, the job market has been slowing, mass layoffs are taking their toll, and many Americans are returning to the office, putting employers squarely back in the driver’s seat. The question is just how far the pendulum will swing back in favor of employers and whether they will deliver on the growing expectations of the workforce.

A new survey from isolved finds that HR leaders believe that employee expectations are reasonable. When asked if they think workers’ expectations are getting “out of control,“ 76% of HR leaders said no. The main reasons for this view include:

• Employees deserve a good experience at work.

• Employees deserve fair compensation based on the market.

• Employees who are engaged are more productive.

It’s promising that 95% of HR leaders say they’re already delivering experiences that matter to their workforces. But they also see room for improvement, particularly when it comes to improving employee engagement and experience. Importantly, HR leaders identified rising employee expectations as their top retention challenge today.

How can employers meet those rising expectations, delivering a better workplace experience and ensuring that they can retain top talent? HR leaders should focus on 6 key investments.

Subscribe to my FREE Workplace Intelligence Insider newsletter and you’ll immediately receive the full article to learn about the 6 key investments employers should make to retain top talent.

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