New research has revealed that 87% of HR leaders have experienced more employees than usual disclosing mental health issues.
Benefex published its new white paper, Employee experience in the new world of work, which included responses from more than 200 employers and explored changing dynamics and demands within workforces, as well as the steps HR managers are taking to adapt their strategies to meet employee needs.
Findings highlighted that 82% have seen greater numbers of staff reporting feelings of loneliness and 96% reported that employee experience has become more important during the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, with employee wellbeing seen as the primary driver for this.
When asked about what makes an exceptional employee experience programme, 71% cited a commitment to staff wellbeing as the most critical feature, followed by ensuring employees feel connected to company values (66%), recognition for work achievements (62%), the provision of intuitive workplace technology (62%), and effective internal communications (61%).
More than four-fifths (83%) of respondents said they plan to investment more in employee wellbeing, and increase spending on diversity and inclusion initiatives (70%), and employee benefits and HR analytics (65%).
In addition, 83% predict that the best performing businesses will have someone in a head of employee experience role within the next two years, 86% expect that most will have dedicated employee wellbeing resource and 84% believe that return on experience will be a measure of success.
Gethin Nadin, director of employee wellbeing at Benefex, explained that wellbeing has emerged as a critical part of the employee experience, and the pandemic has accelerated this trend.
“But there is still a long way to go, how you support and care for your people will increasingly become a key, critical factor in the overall employee value proposition. A dedicated employee experience strategy, one that meets evolving employee needs today and in the future, is vital in ensuring HR remains relevant to employees living and working in this uncertain environment,” he said.