23 Key Employee Experience Statistics You Should Know in 2024
In an age where companies are competing to attract top talent and retain their best employees, the emphasis on employee experience has never been greater. Recent employee experience statistics show that EX has a profound effect on talent acquisition, engagement, retention, and business results.
Imagine a scenario where two companies offer the same salary for a similar role. One company has a reputation for fostering a positive employee experience, while the other is known for high turnover and employee dissatisfaction. Which one do you think will attract the top talent? The answer is clear: Employee experience is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’; it’s a ‘must-have’.
As we continue to explore the ups and downs of both traditional and remote work settings, and the increasing emphasis on work-life balance, understanding the current state of employee experience becomes essential.
This article will look at the present trends in employee experience, the challenges, opportunities, and insights into what truly drives today’s workforce.
Contents
The current state of employee experience
Employee experience impact on talent acquisition and retention
Work-life balance and employee experience
Diversity, equity, and inclusion in employee experience
Employee experience in the remote setting
The current state of employee experience
If you were to check a company’s heartbeat, where would you place the stethoscope? Directly on its employees. That’s to say that reviewing employee survey results regarding how they feel about work is an excellent way to understand their expectations, aspirations, and experiences.
As markets shift and business models transform, these changes profoundly resonate within the workforce. And these shifts are more than just intangible emotions – they’re backed by compelling data that paints the landscape of today’s employee experience:
1. The majority of the world’s employees (59%) are not engaged, and 18% are actively disengaged. (Gallup, 2023)
With more than half of the world’s employees feeling disengaged, organizations face the risk of diminished productivity, higher turnover rates, and a workforce that doesn’t feel connected or committed to the company’s vision.
2. Low engagement costs the global economy US$8.8 trillion and accounts for 9% of the global GDP. (Gallup, 2023)
These figures illustrate the financial implications of a disengaged workforce on a macroeconomic scale. It acts as a call for organizations to stop disregarding employee engagement and foster a more productive and committed workforce.
3. 49% of employees feel that their organization isn’t delivering on the experience they promised. (Kincentric, 2023)
As we transition to a new normal post-pandemic, employees are expecting the care, compassion and connection experienced during these times. However, many organizations are not meeting these demands, with only 51% of employees feeling their organizations are delivering on the promised experience.
4. 67% of workers prefer a hybrid work setup, blending remote and in-person work. (Future Forum, 2023)
This preference highlights the desire for flexibility in work environments, allowing professionals to enjoy the best of both worlds—collaboration in person and autonomy when working from home.
5. 84% of EX professionals believe that supporting their employees’ preferences of working is a top priority for business. (Zendesk, 2023)
This also includes adapting to flexibility, whether their organizations are majorly remote or based in physical workplaces. It’s also important for organizations to upgrade their digital toolstack and make sure their structures ensure consistent support to the employees.
After exploring the current state of employee experience, it’s clear that employee well-being and preferences have significant implications for businesses. These insights shed light on what our workforce is feeling and how it’s affecting their productivity and satisfaction. With this foundation, it’s crucial for HR professionals to understand the ripple effects of these experiences.
Employee experience impact on talent acquisition and retention
The dynamics of talent acquisition and retention are also shifting. As companies juggle new challenges in maintaining their workforce, the link between employee experience and these challenges becomes clearer. Here’s a closer look at some telling statistics:
6. Engaged organizations see 59% less employee turnover. (Gallup, 2022)
When employees are engaged, they’re more likely to remain loyal to their organization. This highlights the importance of fostering a work environment where employees feel connected, valued, and motivated.
7. 63.3% of companies say retaining employees is actually harder than hiring them. (Zenefits, 2019)
Retention challenges show the importance of not just attracting talent, but also creating an environment where they want to stay.
8. Almost 1 in 3 (29%) workers changed jobs within the past year, with an additional 9% actively looking for their next role. (Owl Labs, 2022)
Employee mobility is high, suggesting that many are seeking better opportunities or more fulfilling roles elsewhere.
9. Employees who report having a positive employee experience are 16 times more engaged than employees with a negative experience. (Mckinsey, 2021)
A positive employee experience not only boosts engagement but also promotes a desire among employees to remain in the company, contributing to better retention rates and potentially enhancing overall organizational performance.
10. 67% of employees want pay transparency. (Lattice, 2023)
Compensation is an essential part of employee experience. Employees are seeking transparency in compensation, indicating a desire for fairness and clear communication regarding pay.
11. 77% of adults across key global markets would weigh a company’s culture before considering applying for a role there. (Glassdoor’s Mission & Culture Survey, 2019)
Companies can no longer afford to sideline their core values and mission. Company culture not only fundamentally shapes employee experience but also is a significant factor in job seekers’ decision-making processes. A strong, positive culture can be a magnet for top talent, emphasizing the need for organizations to invest in building and maintaining a supportive and inclusive environment.
Work-life balance and employee experience
Striking the right balance between professional demands and personal needs has become very important in the past few years. Work-life balance is no longer a mere perk but a decisive factor affecting job satisfaction, performance, and retention. Let’s examine a few statistics that show us its significance in the modern workplace:
12. 63% of employees that feel like they have a good work-life balance are willing to go above and beyond for their organization. (Qualtrics, 2023)
Employees that have been operating at surge levels for years are pushing back and setting healthy boundaries. Companies that understand and promote a good work-life balance will experience greater dedication and effort from their employees, ultimately resulting in improved business performance.
13. 59% of workers are experiencing at least moderate burnout. (Future Forum, 2023)
Burnout levels have been increasing in the past two years, which emphasizes the need for business to address employee wellbeing.
14. 45% of workers say their level of work-related stress has increased somewhat or substantially in the past year. (Owl Labs, 2022)
This uptick shows the immediate need for organizations to address employee wellbeing and implement strategies to mitigate stress, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable work environment.
15. 38% of employees say that they’re at risk of potential burnout as a result of inefficient work processes. (Qualtrics, 2023)
When processes are chaotic and inefficient, employees often bear the brunt, leading to increased stress and potential burnout. Companies should prioritize streamlining operations to create a smoother, more efficient work environment.
Diversity, equity and inclusion in employee experience
As organizations globally recognize the tangible benefits of a diverse workforce, they’re also becoming acutely aware of the intrinsic value it brings to employee sentiment and overall productivity.
A commitment to DEI is no longer just a matter of social responsibility—it’s a strategic imperative that drives innovation, enhances collaboration, and fosters a sense of belonging. Here are some statistics on the connection of DEI and employee experience:
16. 80% of people aged 18-34 find it important to work for an employer that promotes diversity and inclusion. (Monster, 2020)
For the majority of millennials and Gen Z professionals, a company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is more than an added benefit; it’s key to their employment decisions. Their emphasis on these values speaks volumes about the future of workplaces and the need for organizations to authentically embed diversity and inclusion in their core strategies.
17. Companies with high gender diversity on their executive teams were 25% more likely to experience above-average profitability than companies with low gender diversity. (McKinsey & Company, 2020).
This data highlights the tangible benefits of gender diversity at the highest levels of corporate leadership. Not only does a diverse executive team bring varied perspectives and approaches, but it directly correlates with enhanced financial performance.
18. 25% of employees believe they don’t truly belong in their workplace, leading to performance dips and a desire to move on. (BetterUp, 2021)
A quarter of the workforce feeling out of place within their organization is a significant concern. Such feelings can lead to decreased productivity and a lack of motivation. More than just impacting work outcomes, this can affect an individual’s overall wellbeing and job satisfaction.
Employee experience in the remote setting
The shift to remote work brought about a change in how employees connect, collaborate, and engage with their organizations. While the freedom and flexibility of remote work are undeniable, it also brings challenges related to connectivity, inclusion, and team cohesion.
Dive into these statistics to understand the details of the remote work landscape:
19. 86% of employees believe they would be happier if given the possibility of fully remote or hybrid work. (Owl Labs, 2022)
This preference isn’t just about comfort—it’s about the profound impact on life quality and job satisfaction. Remote work can help achieve a better-balanced family life, improve morale, and even enhance savings.
Interestingly, this inclination towards remote work is even more pronounced among highly educated individuals with higher incomes. They value flexibility and potential life quality improvements so much that some are willing to accept lower salaries for the option to work from anywhere.
20. 62% of workers feel more productive when working remotely. (Owl Labs, 2022)
This shows the potential benefits of flexible work arrangements and also tells us that many professionals thrive when given the autonomy and comfort of their own space.
21. 23% of remote workers struggle with loneliness. (Buffer, 2023).
Isolation in a remote setting isn’t just about physical distance, but also about emotional and professional disconnect, affecting mental health, job satisfaction, and team dynamics. It’s important for organizations to encourage regular check-ins, team interactions, and avenues for employees to express their feelings and concerns. Moreover, 33% of remote employees admit to staying home too often because they don’t have a reason to leave.
22. 75% of remote workers feel connected to their colleagues, even though a majority work across time zones. (Buffer, 2023)
Even though remote colleagues might be working at different hours and can’t see each other in person, 3 in 4 have found ways to stay connected and maintain good relationships. This shows that with the right tools and effort, teams can still be tight-knit, no matter how far apart they are.
23. 60% of career conversations happen less often in a hybrid work setting compared to companies that report having enough facetime with employees. (Lattice, 2023)
Regular career development discussions are lacking in many organizations, which can impact employee growth and satisfaction, and with it, the overall employee experience.
Growing prevalence of remote work has emphasized the importance of proactive efforts by organizations to build relationships, facilitate open communication, and ensure every team member feels valued and included, irrespective of where they work from.
Key takeaway
These recent employee experience statistics highlight that positive employee experience is integral to attracting and retaining top talent.
Companies that prioritize employee well-being, flexible work options, and a strong company culture will have a significant advantage over their less employee-centric competitors.
In wrapping up, it’s clear that while statistics provide insight, they’re also a call to action for organizations. The future of work is shaped by how businesses respond to these evolving needs and preferences. It’s essential for companies to actively invest in the well-being and experience of their employees, ensuring both individual and organizational success.
Weekly update
Stay up-to-date with the latest news, trends, and resources in HR
Learn more
Related articles
Are you ready for the future of HR?
Learn modern and relevant HR skills, online
