There is a concerning disconnect in how senior and executive leaders in India rate their own employee experience (EX) compared to the teams they lead.

Two-thirds of senior and executive leaders (65%) say their expectations at work are being met compared to 48% of middle-managers and junior employees, reveal the findings of a new research released by Qualtrics. 

In particular, middle-managers and junior employees report lower levels of intent to stay, well-being, engagement, and inclusion. Satisfaction with pay also varies between the two groups - and the gap is increasing year on year, says the Qualtrics 2023 Employee Experience Trends Report based on 1,000 responses from workers in India which includes 455 junior- to manager-level employees, and 545 senior and executive leaders.

In contrast, findings from the Qualtrics study reveal how closing the experience gap can help employers increase retention and productivity. Across all levels of the workforce, workers whose expectations are met at work are 1.8 times more likely to stay with their employer for longer, and 1.4 times more likely to go above and beyond compared to those whose expectations are not met at work 

“Against the backdrop of increasing rates of burnout, financial stresses caused by the rising cost of living, and evolving employee needs, the Qualtrics findings must serve as a wakeup call for business and HR leaders in India. There is a clear gap in the experience organisations think they’re delivering to their teams and what’s actually being provided, and failure to address it can have serious implications - from struggling to retain top talent, cultivating employee wellbeing, and maintaining productivity and performance,” said Lauren Huntington, employee experience solution strategist, Southeast Asia and India, Qualtrics. 

EX trends organisations must prioritise in 2023 

In addition to closing the EX gap between leaders and their teams, the Qualtrics 2023 Employee Experience Trends Report pinpoints key trends employers need to focus on next year to ensure employee expectations are met.

Improve onboarding and enablement for new employees 

In India, engagement, intent to stay, and meeting employee expectations is lowest among employees who have been with their current employer for less than 12 months. These findings demonstrate the challenges organisations face onboarding employees in rapidly changing environments, and the need to adapt systems and processes accordingly. 

Enable managers with resources and skills 

The behaviours and actions of managers is one of the most pervasive drivers across all EX metrics in India, highlighting the critical need to provide leaders with the tools and resources they need to effectively and confidently lead their teams. 

Prioritise employee growth and development 

Believing career goals can be met at the employees’ current organisation are in the top two drivers of intent to stay and inclusion, revealing the importance of prioritising growth and development within EX programmes. 

Demonstrate company values regularly

Employees’ belief in organisational values is in the top 10 drivers of nearly all the key EX metrics - including well-being, intent to stay, inclusion, and meeting expectations - reflecting a need to understand what employees care about most and acting accordingly.