Employee experience is the way to win Singapore’s talent war

Your ability to attract the best talent is facing an uphill battle. Most employers are struggling to fill vacancies in their teams. In Singapore, a staggering 76% of employers report difficulties in filling open roles.

Some companies are breaking through, and your competitors may be ahead in winning the talent war. They are building the next generation of leaders, fostering purpose-driven teams, and keeping their best people engaged. Meanwhile, your workforce is facing burnout, leading to higher attrition and it has become a constant struggle to fill critical roles.

The solution? Unlock the power of employee experience. It is time to stop fighting the talent crisis and start building a winning team.

Employee experience: The starting point for business success

Recent data shows Singapore has stalled in employee experience  – a clear sign to throw away the outdated employee experience handbook.  

Employee experience is more than just perks and ping pong tables. It is the entire journey your people take, from the moment they first consider your company to the moment they hand in their work pass (and even beyond).

“Employee experience is foundational to business success. Engaged employees are more resilient, adaptable, and ready to embrace change.” – Naresh Vemuri, Head of Uvance and Regional Offerings, ASEAN and India, Fujitsu.

This is not just a feel-good initiative; it is a strategic imperative. Engaged employees drive a whopping 147% higher earnings per share and 21% greater profitability.  That’s not just a nice-to-have; it is a competitive advantage.

Employee experience is foundational to business success. Engaged employees are more resilient, adaptable, and ready to embrace change. They are the key to navigating uncertainty and achieving sustained success.

The future of work is here: Tech-enhanced people and culture

The 4th industrial revolution is not just about improving efficiencies; it is rewriting the rules of work. AI and data analytics are transforming everything from finance to retail, and the workplace is no exception.

This is not just about automation; it is about unlocking the next chapter of human potential. Technology, people and culture, and other business functions must work hand in hand to reimagine the future of work. Together, we can leverage AI to empower employees, streamline processes, and create a more engaging and fulfilling workplace experience.

The first step: Effective employee measurement models  

Looking to elevate employee experience in your organisation? Start with data. A robust employee measurement model is the foundation for building a truly engaged and thriving workforce.

Employee surveys, pulse checks, onboarding feedback, and exit interviews provide valuable insights into employee sentiment and engagement at every stage of their journey.

But data is not just about numbers; it is about understanding. Analysing metrics like employee net promoter score, employee satisfaction index, turnover, and absenteeism can give you a 360 view of ‘employee health’ within your organisation.

Other ways to unlock the true power of your data including:

• Tracking trends over time: Identify patterns and understand the impact of organisational initiatives and changes.
• Comparing across departments and demographics: Uncover hidden pockets of strength and areas for improvement.
• Benchmarking against industry standards: See how your organisation stacks up and identify areas for growth.
• Combining qualitative and quantitative data: Gain richer insights by understanding the “why” behind the numbers.

By harnessing the power of data, you can create a truly employee-centric culture and unlock the potential of your workforce.

AI: The future of employee engagement

Imagine a workplace where AI empowers your people, fuels their growth, and keeps them engaged. Here are some ways you can use AI to revolutionise employee experience.

1.   24/7 work buddy

Say goodbye to information silos. Provide employees with ‘someone’ they can tap on the shoulder for questions. AI-powered virtual assistants reduce wait times and frustration, problem-solve, and provide instant support, even in large organisations.

Streamline onboarding. New hires can get up to speed quickly with personalised guidance and support from their AI buddy without being self-conscious about asking a silly question.

2.   Unlocking career potential

Personalised learning paths. AI can analyse performance data and recommend tailored training and development opportunities for each employee.

Real-time feedback and coaching. AI can provide constructive feedback and guidance, helping employees identify areas for improvement and reach their full potential.

A culture of growth. Employees feel valued and empowered, knowing that their career development is a priority.

3.   Preventing turnover before it happens

AI can analyse employee data to identify potential flight risks, allowing you to intervene early and address concerns.

By proactively addressing employee needs, you create a culture of loyalty and retention.

AI is not just about automation; it is about creating a more human-centric workplace. By embracing these innovative use cases, you can unlock the power of AI to build a truly engaged and thriving workforce.

Employee experience is the next big opportunity for business success

For too long, businesses have focused solely on optimising customer experience, neglecting the equally critical area of employee experience. It is time to change that. Employee experience is not just a people initiative; it is a strategic imperative for senior leadership.

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By embracing AI-driven strategies, businesses can navigate current challenges and position themselves for future success in the evolving workplace landscape.

The impact extends beyond your workforce. Happy, engaged employees lead to increased customer satisfaction and long-term business success.

About the author: Naresh Vemuri is Head of Uvance and Regional Offerings, ASEAN and India, Fujitsu.