Employee Experience Is a Strategic Priority

For 25 years, Gallup has conducted an extensive, ongoing study of the employee experience, which evaluates components such as relationships, accomplishments, and the tools individuals need to do their jobs successfully. In that ongoing study, Gallup has surveyed 64 million workers on topics related to employee engagement and well-being.

The Gallup study remains relevant more than a quarter century after it began because, per the Society for Human Resource Management's 2025 State of the Workplace report, both HR professionals and workers prioritize employee experience over L&D.

Whether positive or negative, employee experience causes a chain reaction. Organizations that foster engaging cultures tend to be more resilient during downturns or crises. In fact, the best businesses in Gallup's study reach at least 70 percent engaged employees, which is more than three times the global average.

Therefore, establishing a positive employee experience and fostering a strong company culture is crucial—especially when employee performance influences leadership priorities such as stock performance and earnings, Gallup notes. SHRM's report identifies the four components to a positive employee experience as being part of a cohesive team, finding purpose in work, fair treatment from the organization, and the company recognizing individual contributions.

Employers that don't prioritize employee experience are unknowingly putting a burden on workers' shoulders. Qualtrics's 2025 Global Employee Experience Trends report surveyed 35,000 workers across 22 countries and 30 industries and found that more than one-third of respondents feel pressure from their employers to be more productive because of factors such as strategic efforts and economic conditions.

SHRM's survey, which includes responses from more than 1,600 HR professionals and more than 470 US employees, also found that one-third of respondents had a heavier workload in 2024 than they did in 2023.

Because burnout works in opposition to a positive environment, organizations have another incentive to improve company culture. Qualtrics's report shows that not only do negative experiences such as burnout reduce production, but they also lead to lower revenue, negative customer experiences, and workers leaving their companies. According to State of the Workplace, employee experience and engagement account for 42 percent of turnover intent.

The solution, notes Global Employee Experience Trends, is for leadership to listen to staff concerns to streamline work and allow for improved experiences. In 2025, the number of organizations that asked team members for feedback increased by 13 percent. Suggestions include helping employees find purpose in their work and recognizing them for their accomplishments.