In HRchat episode 616, we delve into progressive organizational practices and consider the benefits of encouraging a more holistic employee experience.
Joining me on the pod today is Ben Whitter, Founder/Chief Experience Officer at HEX Organization and author of the new book, Employee Experience Strategy.
Ben is recognized as one of the world’s leading management thinkers & he is acknowledged as a leading authority on employee experience (EX) globally. Ben has pioneered & popularized the concept of EX worldwide.
During our conversation, Ben addresses several key points:
- HR’s Role and Holistic Employee Experience (HEX): Ben underscores the significance of HR teams and colleagues within the organizational structure. However, he advocates that the Holistic Employee Experience encompasses a broader scope than HR alone can address. The achievement of a comprehensive EX transformation necessitates involvement from leadership, teams, and personnel across the board.
- Collective Responsibility for Employee Experience: Ben introduces a fundamental premise – “Employee experience is a team game.” He elaborates on the pivotal role of various stakeholders in driving EX success. Rather than isolating EX within a single department, Ben emphasizes the potential for substantial impact when the entire organization embraces and propels EX initiatives.
- Human-Centric EX Strategies: Ben’s insights underscore the importance of placing human milestones at the forefront of organizational considerations. He encourages an approach that resonates with employees’ intrinsic needs and aspirations, highlighting that EX strategies thrive when aligned with employees’ actual experiences. He underscores the importance of inclusive collaboration in shaping policies, products, and experiences that cater to diverse human experiences. Additionally, he champions leaders’ active engagement with the workforce to bridge the gap between intent and outcome.
- In addressing leaders’ and HR professionals’ concerns regarding probing into employees’ personal lives, Ben approaches the topic with sensitivity. He acknowledges the balance between respecting personal boundaries and recognizing holistic needs. By fostering an empathetic environment and maintaining a genuine interest in employees’ well-being, leaders can navigate this terrain successfully.
More About Ben
He is also the Founder of the World Employee Experience Institute (WEEI) and a sought-after international keynote speaker. He has given talks and masterclasses on EX to audiences in +40 countries.
With an impressive client portfolio that includes Unilever, Microsoft, GSK, JP Morgan Chase, FedEx, Deutsche Telekom, Ogilvy, Ford, Suntory, and Sanofi, Ben’s insights have received public recognition from institutions such as the UK Parliament and the British Royal Family.
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