A positive workplace experience leads to higher job performance, better customer satisfaction, and improved business outcomes. Here’s the key to improvement.
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Access NowA good workplace experience leads to higher employee performance, better customer satisfaction, and improved business outcomes. However, while most organizations understand the impact of employee experience (EX) and the significance of customer experience (CX), they don’t often single out the value of a positive workplace experience (WX).
To truly thrive, organizations must adopt a dynamic and holistic approach that addresses the entire workplace, including technology, operations, culture, and the all-important employee experience. This integrated perspective is referred to as the workplace experience.
According to Gensler’s 2025 landmark 20th Global Workplace Survey, the workplace experience has changed dramatically and is now a top driver of employee retention. Furthermore, the physical workplace has become a vital factor, with 90% of employees who like their workspace saying they are proud to work for their company and three times more likely to continue working for the company.
While employees globally say they spend 55% of their time in the office, they need about 65% to perform at their best. However, they find various factors including noise and usability are key challenges. The survey found that only 14% want a corporate workplace experience. They prefer spaces that are more like “nature retreats” and “creative labs.” Globally, 40% identify access to natural light and windows they can open as priorities, while 36% prefer workspaces that are enhanced with greenery. They also want spaces that provide access to private areas, flexible environments, and the ability to control lighting and noise levels.
However, prioritization of the workplace experience, and what employees want, continues to be low in the business world.
Gallagher’s Employee Communications Report 2025 highlights the importance for organizations to critically evaluate their employees’ experience in the workplace. Importantly, they need to find “unique ways to engage teams, establish authentic connections, and support employee wellbeing overall.”
Workplace experience refers to the overall environment and atmosphere in which employees work and interact within an organization. It encompasses various elements that contribute to employees’ daily interactions, engagement, and satisfaction while employed and working. This concept goes beyond traditional notions of just the physical workspace and includes the broader aspects of the work environment.
It looks at everything that happens at work as an integrated experience that impacts daily life in and outside the workplace, including overall physical, emotional, professional, and financial well-being. Effective workplace experience management can even contribute to monitoring employee performance, ensuring that the work environment supports employees’ growth and productivity.
International real estate company, VTS, defines workplace experience in a more personal way. They see it “as the collection of feelings a person has throughout their day about their workplace environment.” It’s a manifestation of how everyone in the workplace community interacts and shares services and resources in an office ecosystem. It encompasses how people feel and is crucial to employee experience and engagement.
Simpplr, an intranet and employee experience platform, talks about it being “the intersection of people, processes, and places.” They emphasize that when employees feel supported and valued, their motivation increases, leading to improved retention rates. Here’s their definition of workplace experience.
“Workplace experience encompasses the totality of experiences that an employee encounters in their daily work life, including interactions with colleagues, the tools and technologies they use and the overall culture of the organization.” Simpplr
A good workplace experience increases productivity. When a company provides a good experience, employees feel more motivated and are more likely to complete projects successfully and achieve better results. Successful employee engagement makes them more willing to go the extra mile to ensure their work is on time and accurate, positively impacting the company’s bottom line.
According to Deloitte’s survey into workplace productivity trends, 34% of workers are not satisfied with their workforce experience, with 89% subscribing to the belief that being happier and more satisfied at work will allow them to be more productive. For this reason, they encourage organizations to consider how productivity can have a positive impact on their workforce experience.
An improved workplace experience also leads to higher customer satisfaction. When employees are comfortable and engaged in a business they are more likely to provide better customer service, bringing better results and profit.
Gensler has been studying how and where people work for two decades. Janet Pogue McLaurin, Global Director of Workplace Research at Gensler, says that after all this time, it is clear that the most effective spaces are those that adapt to people — not the other way around!
“The best workplaces don’t just support work — they reflect what people value most.”
Janet Pogue McLaurin
In a nutshell, to fuel employee performance:
Embrace journey mapping and transform employee satisfaction and engagement into a data-driven strategy.
We’ve briefly defined what workplace experience is. Here are 10 key components that contribute to its success.
The design, layout, and amenities of the physical workplace. They include factors such as office layout, lighting, furniture, and facilities. This will only apply to remote workers if companies contribute to their physical workplace environment.
The values, beliefs, and behaviors that define the organizational culture are at the heart of any workplace experience. This includes how employees collaborate, communicate, and interact with each other.
The tools and technologies provided to employees to perform their tasks efficiently. Workplace technology and tools include hardware, software, and equally important communication tools.
We’ll discuss tools and technologies in more detail later on.
The quality of leadership and management practices within the organization. This includes communication styles, decision-making processes, and the level of support provided to employees.
Gartner identifies three essential components of human leadership. It needs to be authentic, empathetic, and adaptive. To achieve this and improve the workplace experience for employees, many leaders need to adjust. Authenticity means acting with true self-expression and purpose. Empathy means being genuinely caring, respectful, and concerned about every employee’s well-being. Being adaptive implies a need for flexibility and the ability to support team members’ unique needs.
The availability of training programs, career development opportunities, and resources for employees to enhance their skills and grow within the organization.
Initiatives that support the physical and mental well-being of employees, as well as policies that promote a healthy work-life balance.
The level of commitment, motivation, and satisfaction employees feel in their roles. This can be influenced by factors such as recognition, feedback, and opportunities for advancement.
Employee experience incorporates the entirety of an employee’s interactions and perceptions throughout their entire journey with the organization. It includes elements ranging from recruitment, onboarding, and day-to-day work to professional development and departure or retirement.
The organization’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplace, where employees feel valued and respected regardless of their background and cultural or other differences.
The effectiveness of communication channels within the organization. It is crucial to ensure that information is transparent, accessible, and timely.
Employees need to feel connected to the company, and the best way is through internal communication tools where the company can transparently share its decisions, initiatives, programs, departments, and executive messages.
It’s not just the physical workplace with its furniture and workplace technology that’s important. People play an integral role in the workplace experience — including how it relates to remote workers. There must be opportunities for social interaction and community-building within the workplace. These can include team-building activities, events, and shared spaces.
Whether you’re a CEO, an internal communicator, or a member of a company’s IT department, you’ve probably heard a lot about the importance of the employee experience. While workplace experience specifically refers to the physical environment and atmosphere of the workplace, employee experience is a broader concept. The latter encompasses all aspects of an employee’s interactions and engagement with the organization throughout their tenure.
You could say it’s an encapsulation of employees’ feelings towards organizational culture, management style, collaboration, engagement, the workplace environment, and salary and benefits. It’s also an essential element of the workplace experience, which significantly affects job performance and employee retention.
A positive workplace experience is often associated with increased employee engagement, productivity, and satisfaction, which, in turn, can contribute to the overall success and competitiveness of the organization. Organizations that prioritize and invest in creating a good workplace experience are more likely to attract and retain talented employees.
Gallagher has been studying the evolution of the internal comms and employee experience landscape since 2008. That includes a meaningful workplace experience. In 2008, the focus was on tactics and communication channels. By 2012, digital channels began to emerge. Then, in 2021, the pandemic introduced significant challenges — along with new opportunities for internal communicators. By 2024, the conversation had shifted to the balance between AI and the human touch.
“Comms practitioners questioned their influence and the value of AI against a backdrop of increased workloads, rising expectations, and dwindling attention spans.”
Gallagher
In 2025, the spotlight turned to constant change, as change communications began blending into business-as-usual, forcing communicators to manage continuous transformation and increasingly fatigued audiences. Yet a critical issue remains: AI is still underutilized, and internal technologies have often failed to live up to industry hype.
This reinforces the vital role of internal communicators in shaping the employee experience while keeping workplace experience at the forefront.
To navigate this evolving landscape, organizations must take deliberate, actionable steps to improve the workplace experience. From listening to employee feedback to investing in technology, the following strategies offer a framework to shape a more connected, productive, and resilient workforce.
Effective communication is essential for any business to thrive and succeed. There are many forms and types of internal communication, some more effective than others — depending on the environment and circumstances. Two-way communication is particularly important because it engages employees and provides a mechanism for employee feedback.
Organizations can ask for feedback in surveys or via chat apps, even in open meetings. But the important point is that leaders and management need to actively listen to feedback and act on it.
Delegating responsibility involves assigning specific tasks and roles to individuals or teams within the organization. It impacts directly on employee performance as a whole.
The process starts by identifying individuals or teams with the skills, expertise, and interest in shaping the workplace experience. Then you’ll need to get a team together and define roles and responsibilities. It’s vital to set clear goals and objectives that align with the overall employee experience strategy. Encourage collaboration and utilize technology. Project management tools, communication platforms, and collaborative software can all enhance efficiency.
It’s also important to provide the necessary training and development opportunities for those involved in shaping the workplace to ensure a good experience. Stay adaptable and open to feedback, allowing the structure to evolve based on changing needs.
Cutting-edge platforms are advanced, innovative digital solutions designed to enhance employee experience within an organization. These platforms typically integrate technology, data analytics, and user-centric design to create a more engaging, efficient, and supportive work environment.
Investing in cutting-edge workplace experience platforms improves employee satisfaction, engagement, and productivity. The investment leverages innovative technologies and fosters a positive work environment.
These platforms enhance collaboration and support initiatives aimed at well-being and health. They enable personalized employee experiences and contribute to a more competitive and attractive workplace for top talent. Ultimately, the investment aligns with organizational goals of talent retention, and performance optimization. It’s a proven way of staying at the forefront of workplace innovation.
Deloitte’s 2025 Global Human Capital Trends report highlights how technology overload and excessive meetings have created new pressures on teamwork. While collaboration remains essential, digital tools often generate inefficiencies like duplicative work, calendar congestion, and fragmented communication.
To truly foster collaboration, organizations must strike a balance: reducing clutter (e.g., unnecessary alerts and meetings), streamlining workflows, and designing intentional spaces (digital and physical) that encourage focused interaction. This purposeful approach to connectivity not only supports performance but also strengthens employee engagement and alignment across teams.
To measure workplace experience, utilize employee surveys, feedback mechanisms, and key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned with organizational goals. Regularly assess factors like employee satisfaction, engagement, and well-being to identify areas for improvement.
Improve the experience by addressing feedback, implementing targeted initiatives, fostering a positive organizational culture, and leveraging technology to streamline processes and enhance collaboration. Continuous measurement and strategic adjustments ensure a dynamic and evolving workplace experience that aligns with employee needs and organizational objectives.
Embrace journey mapping and transform employee satisfaction and engagement into a data-driven strategy.
The tools and technologies we use to elevate workplace experience range from hardware and software to communication tools that often require software and hardware. Implementing these thoughtfully can contribute to a positive WX by improving communication, collaboration, and efficiency, ultimately enhancing employee satisfaction and engagement.
A wide variety of hardware tools may be used to enhance employee experience and create a meaningful workplace experience. These devices are designed to improve productivity, collaboration, and overall efficiency.
Laptops, desktops, smartphones, tablets, headsets, and microphones are all commonly used. Providing employees with modern and powerful computers ensures they can perform their tasks efficiently. Mobile devices enable flexibility, allowing employees to stay connected, access information, and collaborate on the go. Quality audio equipment is essential for virtual meetings, video conferences, and remote collaboration.
Other examples include printers and scanners, wireless presentation systems, interactive whiteboards, docking stations, and ergonomic furniture.
There are a myriad of software options to make WX positive for employees. Most will also improve the all-important EX. Here are just a few examples:
Internal communication platforms ensure that messages to employees are targeted and relevant. It is confirmed that when an open communication system is implemented in the organization and employees are allowed to communicate openly with their colleagues and share their ideas with other members then it would increase employee retention.
The best corporate communication tools create connections that are crucial in helping employees understand why executives are making decisions and implementing changes. When they understand what’s driving those decisions and changes, they’re more likely to be receptive and engaged. Motivated teams are not only more productive but also more likely to stay loyal to a company and promote it. Disengaged employees, on the other hand, are costly – creating turnover when they eventually leave for greener pastures.
Furthermore, engaged employees choose to develop their careers and grow in an organization that provides them with a better experience. Engaged staff are more likely to post on their socials about their job which creates an employer’s brand and attracts talent.
Internal communication is one of the key components of a good workplace experience.
We’ve highlighted how important internal communications are in any organization. We have also mentioned how important two-way communication is. This is why engaging employees and getting constant feedback is so important.
But to improve your internal communication, and with it your employees’ workplace experience, you need workplace technology tools that streamline messaging, personalize content, and support real-time engagement across every team and channel.
The Cerkl Broadcast platform offers a highly effective centralized hub that allows communicators to access and manage information. Its omnichannel capability is a standout feature that supports efficiency and collaboration. It also lets employees choose which channels they want to use.
Broadcast has superior feedback and analytics tools that allow communicators to measure the impact of messages. It also offers a survey capability that enables you to compile, conduct, and analyze the full spectrum of employee surveys.
The Broadcast platform offers more than just communication. It provides the insights to continuously improve WX. With robust feedback and analytics tools, communicators can track performance, understand what resonates, and adjust messaging for maximum impact. Its built-in survey capability empowers you to design, distribute, and analyze everything from quick pulse checks to in-depth engagement surveys — all in one platform.
If you're ready to align your internal communication with your employee experience goals, explore how Cerkl Broadcast can help.
If you’re still not sure, have a look at how Broadcast has helped companies including Paycor, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, and Stanislaus State, have improved their EX.
From new employees to seasoned professionals, the employee journey is an important one. But when you prioritize the workplace experience, the organization reaps the benefits. These include putting the company at a competitive advantage, fostering employee retention, and creating significant increases in job performance.
Do you want to take advantage of the benefits of prioritizing workforce experience and improving their performance? Is internal communication that can increase employee retention important to your organization? Of course, it is, which is why we have created an employee experience journey mapping template that you can use to transform your workforce engagement. And it’s absolutely free.
Embrace journey mapping and transform employee satisfaction and engagement into a data-driven strategy.
What is a workplace experience? Workplace experience is the overall environment, interactions, and perceptions employees have at work—including how they engage with their team, leaders, and the organization.
How to improve workplace experience? Focus on open communication, growth opportunities, work-life balance, and creating a supportive, inclusive culture. Ensure on-site spaces are comfortable and people-centered.
How to measure workplace experience? Use surveys, feedback tools, and KPIs that align with your company’s goals and values. Ensure that these are aligned with the company’s mission and goals.
What makes a great workplace experience? A positive culture, clear communication, recognition, growth opportunities, and strong work-life balance all contribute to a great workplace experience.
What are employee experience examples? EX includes onboarding, training, recognition, leadership support, inclusive culture, and opportunities for career growth throughout the employee journey. The physical workplace environment is also important.
Embrace journey mapping and transform employee satisfaction and engagement into a data-driven strategy.
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