Though the two terms share some similarities, they are not the same. Engagement is an outcome of Employee Experience. We do recognise, though, that for the last decade or so, engagement has sometimes been used as an umbrella term for the experience an employee has at an organisation.
Employee Engagement v Employee Experience
Employee Engagement and Employee Experience are not one and the same and it is useful to understand the differences between the two. Employee Engagement refers to the level of commitment and involvement that an employee has towards their job and the organisation. On the other hand, employee experience is the sum of all interactions an employee has with their employer and the workplace environment.
Employee Engagement
Employee Engagement measures the extent to which an employee feels connected to their work, colleagues, and the organisation's culture. Engaged employees are more committed to their work and tend to be more productive, creative and loyal to the organisation. An engaged employee is someone who feels motivated to give their best effort to their work and often goes beyond their job responsibilities to contribute to the company’s success.
Employee Experience
Employee Experience on the other hand is the broader term that encompasses all the interactions that an employee has with the organisation throughout the Employee Lifecycle. It begins before the employment commences and as it should encompass former employees, it never really ends. (For more information on the Employee Lifecycle, check out the EXO Template, which includes the Employee Lifecycle Template and our Creating Moments That Matter course).
Employee Experience is the entire relationship between employee and employer, including: how the employer treats their employees, how the relationship evolves, the work environment, the culture both parties operate in, and the tools provided to get the job done. It encompasses every interaction and touchpoint with the organisation and its stakeholders at every stage of the Employee Lifecycle.
It includes factors such as workplace culture, work-life balance, benefits and perks, career development opportunities, as well as the physical workspace. An employee's experience can significantly impact their level of engagement, satisfaction, productivity and wellbeing.
Connection between Employee Engagement and Employee Experience
Employee Engagement and Employee Experience are closely related, and a positive Employee Experience leads to higher Employee Engagement. A positive Employee Experience helps to create a sense of belonging and purpose, which can increase an employee's motivation to do their job. Engaged employees are more likely to have a positive experience at work, leading to a virtuous cycle of engagement and experience.
Differences in focus
The primary difference between Employee Engagement and Employee Experience is their focus. Employee Engagement primarily focuses on the individual employee's emotional and intellectual commitment to the organisation and their job responsibilities. On the other hand, Employee Experience focuses on the holistic experience that an employee has during their lifecycle with the company. To be truly effective, the Employee Experience should therefore be personalised.
Differences in approach
A difference to mention between Employee Engagement and Employee Experience is their approach. Employee Engagement primarily involves a top-down approach, where managers and leaders implement policies and practices to foster employee engagement. Employee Experience, on the other hand, takes a more bottom-up approach, where employees have a say in shaping their experience and the workplace culture.
Measuring Employee Engagement and Experience
Measuring Employee Engagement is important to understand employees' feelings about their work and commitment. These metrics can be measured through surveys, focus groups, pulse surveys, and interviews. By identifying areas for improvement, policies and practices can be implemented to boost engagement. Measuring Employee Experience involves looking at factors such as the physical workspace, work-life balance, career development opportunities, and workplace culture - again using methods such as surveys, feedback sessions, pulse surveys, and focus groups.
Measuring Employee Engagement and Employee Experience are important tools for organisations to identify areas for improvement, create a positive workplace culture, and boost Employee Engagement and satisfaction. By utilising these metrics, managers and leaders can create a work environment that promotes productivity, employee retention, and a sense of fulfillment for their employees.
Understanding the differences between Employee Engagement and Employee Experience for a positive workplace culture
Employee Engagement and Employee Experience are two different concepts that are closely related. Employee Engagement measures an individual employee's emotional and intellectual commitment to their job and the organisation, while Employee Experience encompasses the overall experience an employee has during their tenure with the organisation. Both concepts are essential to creating a positive workplace culture that fosters Employee Engagement and satisfaction, and ultimately, company success. It is crucial for managers and leaders to understand the differences between the two and implement policies and practices to foster both engagement and experience.
How can we help?
We understand the importance of Employee Engagement and Employee Experience within a company.
- Our website offers various tools and resources to help managers and leaders measure and improve employee engagement and experience.
- Our engagement survey provide insights into employee satisfaction, while our mojo employee motivation platform helps managers and employees work together to set goals and track progress. It drives productivity, boosts wellbeing and builds resilience with the mojo employee motivation platform.
- Mojo allows you to understand what motivates a person and crucially how satisfied they are with regards to those motivating factors in their role. It also gives managers a common language that enables them to understand those motivators across a whole organisation.
In summary
A positive Employee Experience leads to higher levels of Employee Engagement, which leads to increased productivity, creativity, and loyalty. By understanding the differences between Employee Engagement and Employee Experience and implementing policies and practices to foster both, organisations can start to cultivate a positive workplace culture.
We are committed to helping organisations create a positive Employee Experience and nurture engagement and satisfaction. Every employee has the potential to be a top performer. If you're looking to boost Employee Engagement, productivity, and performance, then mojo can help. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation and personalised mojo demo.