In today’s world of hybrid work and rapidly shifting employee expectations, companies can’t afford to overlook the human side of work. That’s why the employee experience manager (EEM) role is gaining momentum. But what exactly does an employee experience manager do—and why are they suddenly so critical to business success?
Let’s unpack the role, why it matters, and what it takes to do it well.
The purpose of employee experience managers
Hiring top talent is just the beginning. The real challenge? Keeping them engaged, happy, and thriving in their roles. That’s where the employee experience manager steps in—someone laser-focused on optimizing every step of the employee journey, from onboarding to offboarding.
Rather than reacting to problems, EEMs proactively manage the workplace culture. They shape programs, gather feedback, and apply insights to foster an environment where people can do their best work—and actually want to stick around.
Research indicates that organizations with highly engaged employees experience significantly better financial outcomes compared to those with low engagement. For instance, a Gallup study found that business units in the top quartile of employee engagement had earnings per share (EPS) growth more than two-and-a-half times greater than those below average.
What does an employee experience manager do?
They make work better by analyzing the entire employee lifecycle—from the first recruiter touchpoint to the exit interview—and look for ways to elevate the experience at every stage.
Here’s a snapshot of what they handle:
- Positive onboarding processes. Employee experience managers design welcome experiences that are thoughtful, informative, and aligned with company values.
- Consistent feedback loops. These managers run surveys, pulse checks, and one-on-one interviews to unveil insights that leadership can act on.
- Cross-functional HR collaboration. They work hand-in-hand with HR teams to improve policies, processes, and perks.
- Culture curation. Employee experience managers champion inclusive practices and company rituals that unite people, even across different time zones.
- Tech-driven insights. They monitor morale, track turnover risks, and prioritize improvements by using AI-powered platforms.
At companies like Microsoft and HubSpot, employee experience has evolved from a “nice-to-have” to a business imperative—and the results speak for themselves.
Why it matters for your business
Employee experience may sound like a soft metric. However, companies with engaged employees outperform their peers by more than 200%—a statistic that has held steady for years. Turnover is expensive, costing U.S. businesses $1 trillion annually. In fact, a recent report states that replacing a single employee can cost up to two times their salary. But with the right strategies in place, companies can reduce attrition by as much as 40%.
An effective employee experience manager is as a retention mechanism. They keep employees engaged and productive, even in distributed or hybrid workforces.
Strategies great employee experience managers use
1. Build an alluring culture
Culture isn’t just about ping pong tables or casual Fridays—it’s how the work environment makes people feel. Employee experience managers help define and nurture that culture by embedding organizational core values into daily rituals, recognition programs, and communication norms. When the organization walks the talk, they earn credibility and trust from their employees.
2. Let the data do the talking
Top EEMs use real-time feedback tools, engagement software, and predictive analytics to identify what’s working—and what’s not.
“Harnessing big data analytics is the future of employee experience management,” said HR consultant Julie Andrews, cited in a top HR LinkedIn article in 2024.
3. Make engagement a two-way street
Recognizing the importance of empowerment, employee experience managers create opportunities for employees to share ideas, flag issues, and co-create solutions. Whether through employee councils, quarterly town halls, or anonymous feedback platforms, the best ideas often come from the people doing the work.
How to become an employee experience manager
To become an EEM, here’s what you’ll need:
- Foundational knowledge in HR, organizational psychology, or employee engagement
- Analytical skills to interpret surveys and feedback
- Emotional intelligence to read between the lines and support diverse teams with empathy
- Certifications like EX Management or HR Analytics can help fast-track your growth
The team at Indeed Career Guide emphasizes curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from every role as key to growing into this career.
The future of employee experience managers
The landscape is evolving fast. With hybrid work, asynchronous teams, and a push for more inclusive workplaces, employee experience managers are stepping up as a key source of knowledge and decision-making. They’re now influencing tech investments, benefits strategy, and even global expansion plans.
The consensus is clear that the ability to offer an optimal employee experience is no longer merely a value-add but a business necessity. Employees will continue to expect that their well-being is embedded in an organization’s mission—not just an afterthought. Whether remote or on-premise, employees increasingly demand tailored experiences regarding training and recognition. It’s time to do away with “employee of the month” awards! Finally, employees going forward seek consistency in messaging and communications, requiring HR to break out of its historic silo. That’s why employee experience managers are needed to serve as much-needed liaisons, analysts, and promoters of employee well-being and positive work culture.
Want to build a global workforce with a world-class experience?
At Velocity Global, we help businesses hire, pay, and support talent in over 185 countries. Through our Employer of Record (EOR) solution and intuitive Global Work Platform™, you can create a seamless experience for your supported employees—from onboarding to benefits and everything in between.
With complementary solutions, we take the complexity out of managing a global workforce while remaining compliant so you can focus on what really matters—your people.
Ready to level up your employee experience? Let’s talk
