The In/Out Doors: A Double-Edged Sword for Employee Engagement

Let’s face it, in today’s working world, employee experience is everything. But a recent Qualtrics report dropped a bombshell: the entry and exit experiences are getting the short end of the stick, leading to levels of engagement and loyalty plummeting.

The Shortening Horizons of Employee Loyalty

While employees are more engaged than ever (in general), their intention to stay has taken a slight dip. This could be due to the VUCA world we all live in and uncertainty surrounding the future for many organisiations, meaning people adopt a shorter-term outlook. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re disloyal. Employees are still showing up and are more engaged than ever before.

The Disappointing Reality of the New Starter Experience

The report highlights a significant gap between the new starter ‘glow’ we often expect and the actual experiences of new joiners. Employees who have recently joined an organisation are less likely to see a future with the company (they’ve not built a strong bond yet), which means there’s a need for urgent improvement in onboarding processes.

The Impact of Entry/Exit Experiences

The Qualtrics research also suggests that candidate and exit experiences have a more significant impact on employee perceptions than onboarding. While onboarding is generally rated positively, candidate and exit experiences are far less good. This suggests that many organisations are missing out on opportunities to create lasting impressions and build brand loyalty.

Advice for Improving Entry and Exit Experiences

To address these challenges, you could focus on:

• Leaving Lasting Impressions: Invest in creating memorable candidate and exit experiences that reflect your organisation’s brand and culture.
• Uncover the Gaps: Analyse the differences between people who stay and those who leave early to identify factors that drive retention.
• Improve the Candidate Experience: Attract top talent and turn candidates into brand ambassadors by creating a positive and engaging application process.
• Boost Employee Growth: Focus on employee development and engagement throughout their time with you to build a stronger sense of belonging and loyalty.

The entry and exit experiences play a critical role in shaping people’s perceptions and influencing organisational reputation. By prioritising these aspects of your people’s journey, you can create a more positive and engaging work environment, leading to even better employee satisfaction, loyalty, and ultimately business success.