What is Employee Journey Map and How to Create One

If you’re like most HR professionals you are likely constantly seeking innovative ways to improve your department’s effectiveness. One powerful method is creating an Employee Experience Journey Map. But what is this tool, exactly? Furthermore, how can you create one yourself? Read on to find out!

What is an Employee journey map?

An employee journey map is a tool that helps you visualize the different steps your employees take as they move through their careers. By utilizing employee experience mapping, you can identify areas with pain points or opportunities for improvement. Consequently, it gives you a solid foundation from which to build any HR changes.

The employee journey is filled with pivotal moments and experiences. These moments have a long-lasting impact on employees’ perception of their workplace. Creating a map is a helpful exercise for any organization. However, it is especially important for companies going through a period of change. It helps you identify where the employee lifecycle requires extra support or motivation.

What are the benefits of employee journey map?

Employee journey mapping provides several key advantages for your organization.

Understand what your employees are going through

Creating a map helps you get into the mind of the workforce. You can better understand their feelings, needs, and desires. Furthermore, analyzing this employee data helps in creating policies that reduce employee attrition.

Make sure employees are aware of company values

Another benefit is ensuring employees are aware of company culture. By mapping out different steps, you identify areas where values are not being communicated. Consequently, you can mitigate the risk of them being forgotten. Changing how you communicate these values will improve satisfaction. Therefore, this leads to a better employee engagement score and improved overall HR metrics.

Increase employee engagement

Knowing the steps your employees take helps you identify ways to increase ongoing engagement. For example, you might find key moments when employees feel disconnected. Addressing these issues can boost morale significantly. An employee engagement survey is often the best tool to pinpoint these specific moments.

Improve communication and collaboration between departments

Visualizing the journey streamlines the workflow between departments. You can do this by getting everyone on the same page. This fosters better employee collaboration across teams. As a result, you avoid duplicate work, confusion, and frustration.

Find opportunities for process improvement

A journey map helps identify areas where employees have difficulty. This could involve anything from the onboarding experience to performance management. Even during company restructurings, you can make changes that enhance the entire experience.

The 7 steps for creating an effective employee journey map

There are a few different ways to create an employee journey map. However, the most important thing is to involve your employees in the process. After all, they are the ones actually experiencing the journey!

#1 Recruitment and sourcing

Recruiting is the beginning of every employee’s journey. Whether it’s your website, job ad, or LinkedIn profile, every interaction matters. If your website serves as the main recruiting channel, prioritize a seamless user experience. Furthermore, defining employee personas early ensures you target the right talent effectively.

Using the best cookie consent software ensures regulatory compliance. It also sets a positive tone for candidates immediately. Therefore, make sure you are putting your best foot forward. Make the process simple and straightforward. Ask employees if the application form was too detailed. Did they encounter problems?

Also, stand out from the competition. Don’t cut off contact with the candidate. Let them know even if they don’t get the job. Aligning this communication with your company mission reinforces your brand.

Quick reminder! You can create a recruitment portal on Sloneek. It allows for open positions and descriptions integrated with checklists. Get organized and show yourself as a forward-thinking company.

#2 Preboarding

Employee preboarding is the period between offer acceptance and the first day. This is a crucial time for setting expectations. Stay in touch with your new hire. Provide them with the information they need to feel prepared. A digital experience employee journey map can help you structure these digital touchpoints effectively.

Nevertheless, don’t overuse this time. They might want to take advantage of this break to disconnect. They might decide to relax at home or go on a hike. Therefore, refrain from bombarding them with unnecessary information. Onboarding will give you the opportunity to provide the rest.

#3 Onboarding

The first few weeks are crucial for setting the tone. The onboarding process sets your future employees up for success. They are trying to learn about the culture and their role. Make sure you have a plan to help them settle in smoothly. Using a specific employee onboarding journey map ensures no step is missed.

A good experience will help new hires feel welcomed. Automate the process to ensure your team is ready. Consider tools such as Sloneek to manage the HR process effectively. Additionally, use an employee portal so they can easily submit personal information. You can even utilize an employee onboarding journey map template to standardize this phase.

#4 Learning and development

Once employees settle in, you must continue supporting their employee development. Learning opportunities help employees grow in their careers. Encourage them to attend conferences or take online courses.

If you ignore this step, a lack of employee growth might cause them to look elsewhere. Identify areas where they need recognition. Make sure you are providing it. The most important thing is to keep communication channels open. By investing in development, you show you value their success.

#5 Performance and education planning

Performance reviews involve discussing goals for the coming year. What do they want to achieve? Create a concrete employee development plan to guide them. Discuss what training opportunities they need to get there.

This is also a good time to talk about professional career aspirations. By investing in employee performance, you demonstrate commitment. Don’t forget to check in regularly. These conversations should be ongoing. Employee goals change over time, so keep lines of communication open.

#6 Rewards and recognition

It is important to recognize employees for their hard work. Show appreciation for their contributions. You can do this with a bonus, a raise, or a thank-you note. Provide employee feedback regularly so they know where to improve.

When they make a mistake, help them learn from it. A healthy mix of positive and constructive feedback helps employees feel motivated.

#7 Retention

After all this, you don’t want to lose your best employees! Employee retention is key to a strong workforce. Keep employees happy by offering competitive salaries. Make sure you are regularly checking in.

Remember, the journey doesn’t end with offboarding. An employee exit plan ensures a smooth transition if they do leave. Stay in touch with former employees. By keeping the employee lifecycle model in mind, you can turn former employees into brand ambassadors.

Tips for creating an effective employee journey map

Where should you begin? A positive experience begins with a clear plan. Here are guidelines to ensure you have the right one.

Begin with the end in mind

Start by picturing a successful experience. What does the ideal journey look like? How do they feel at each stage? This helps you create a plan that meets their needs.

Include all touchpoints

Think about every interaction. Consider their onboarding, training, and rewards. Also, consider what happens when they leave. Utilizing a comprehensive employee journey map template ensures you capture every detail.

Make it employee-centric

Your map should be designed around your employees. Put yourself in their shoes. Consider utilizing an employee experience platform to gather real-time insights. By understanding their perspective, you create a positive experience.

Keep it simple

Don’t try to cram too much in. Keep it focused on important elements. You can always add more detail later.

Test and revise

Once created, put your map to the test. See how it works in practice. Be sure to get feedback to continue improving.

To sum up

So there you have it. A complete guide to journey map employee experience strategies. They are a great way to get an overview of your team’s lifecycle. A company intranet is often a great place to host and track these resources.

Do you want to manage the mapping process and HR in a fun way? You should definitely give Sloneek a try.

Employee Journey Map – frequently asked questions

What is an Employee Journey Map and what are its purposes?

An employee journey map is a visualization of the steps your employees take. It maps out every touchpoint to optimize their experience. While you may think you know the experience, it is best to ask directly. Use employee surveys to get an accurate picture.

What are the benefits of having an Employee Journey Map?

It helps you identify problem areas in the experience. It also reveals opportunities for improvement. By understanding specific employee experiences, you can make changes to improve satisfaction. Furthermore, it helps with succession planning.

What are some of the challenges you may face while creating an Employee Journey Map?

First, you must be honest with yourself. Facing facts about problems can be difficult. However, you need to face challenges head-on. Additionally, analyzing employee perceptions takes time and effort. Finally, it is important to get buy-in from all levels.

How can you make sure that your Employee Journey Map is effective and useful?

Think about collaborative efforts. Who will be involved? Remember, a map is only as good as the data it is based on. Consider different employee segments to ensure inclusivity. Think about how you will use the map once completed.

Should your employees be involved in creating an Employee Journey Map?

Absolutely! Your employees have direct experience with your company. They are the best source of information. Furthermore, engaging employee resource groups can build commitment to making changes.