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HXM, or the key to a positive human experience through good management

HXM, or the key to a positive human experience through good management

By Coralie Petit

Published: 7 November 2024

Employee well-being is one of the major issues in human resources, and for good reason: it is necessary to create and maintain a healthy and attractive working environment.

HXM (Human Experience Management) is a response to this problem, as it enables employees to be valued, and much more besides. 🤭

Definition, benefits and best practice... A closer look at HXM. 👇

What is HXM?

Human Experience Management : definition

First of all, let's take a closer look at what HXM is.

Human Experience Management is an emerging concept in the field of human resources.

Unlike traditional approaches focused on processes and transactions, HXM focuses on the employee experience, seeking to understand and improve the way employees feel and interact with their work environment.

This includes

  • experience and feelings within the company and in the recruitment process,
  • prospects for personal and professional development,
  • the notion of recognition and importance,
  • work-life balance,
  • employee commitment, etc.

Example of an HXM application

👉 Let's take recruitment as an example. HXM enables better management of the process, with the aim of perfecting the candidate experience.

Care is taken to provide a beneficial experience for both candidates and human resources so that each party can retain a better impression.

The concept of HXM may seem relatively new to you, but it is nonetheless essential to the management of your human resources: the well-being of your employees can only benefit you.

What's more, an approach that promotes a more holistic, people-centred approach to human resources management brings substantial benefits, both for employees and for the organisation as a whole. These are detailed below. ⬇️

An evolution of HCM

HCM, or human capital management, is also an inherent concept in human resources, and is often mistakenly considered to have been replaced by HXM.

Unlike HXM, HCM focuses on human capital, a set of objective elements:

  • skills
  • qualifications
  • knowledge
  • talents,
  • professional experience,
  • productive capacity, etc.

Through HCM, the aim is to make the most of the human capital available within the company, to make the most of what employees can contribute.

But does HXM really replace HCM? Of course not!

HXM is complementary to HCM, encompassing the different aspects of HCM by focusing on feelings, needs and expectations. We combine the more concrete elements of HCM with HXM to ensure the best possible experience for everyone. 🤝

The 6 advantages of HXM

As you will have realised, HXM is a particularly useful tool for human resources.

This approach aims to optimise not only employee satisfaction and well-being, but also their commitment and productivity, by creating a more human, people-centred workplace. It's also good for human resources and the business as a whole, because you're encouraging success and good results.

But what does this mean in practical terms? Here's a closer look at 6 benefits. 👇

#1 Boosting employee commitment

By creating a positive environment, you strengthen your employees' sense of belonging and satisfaction.

In fact, an employee who feels listened to and valued as a person will undeniably be more committed. Ultimately, they'll be more productive and motivated, and that's what empowerment is all about.

As a result, employees benefit from an environment in which they feel good, and the company's overall performance is all the better for it. 🌞

#2 Lower staff turnover

By proactively responding to employees' needs and expectations, you promote a better retention rate, and therefore a lower turnover rate.

A satisfied employee is one who will stay with your company longer, as well as being more motivated and productive.

But in concrete terms, what are the direct benefits for you?

By making the most of your current human resources, you no longer need to look for new faces. And if your needs in terms of skills change, it's in your interest to train your employees, in the knowledge that this will also enhance their prospects for professional and personal development.

That's what combining HXM with human capital management is all about - everyone's happy!

#3 Attracting the best talent

Even if you do everything you can to value your employees, you will undeniably need new talent at some point. 🤔 That's all the bad news we wish you, that your company is growing and needs to recruit!

As we've seen, thanks to the HXM, you're showing your willingness to do everything you can to ensure that everyone feels good within the company and wants to grow within it.

Obviously, this is a criterion of choice for candidates looking for a new career opportunity, sometimes more important than pay, especially for the younger generations.

If you also offer an optimal and pleasant recruitment experience, then you have the winning combo for promoting your employer brand, so you can be sure of attracting new talent and retaining it.

#4 A stronger corporate culture

As we've seen, HXM implies a people-centred approach. And while this also means greater attraction and engagement, it also means a better corporate culture.

After all, who wouldn't enjoy working in a company with a strong culture that fosters better team cohesion, or simply a better atmosphere ?

It's absolutely vital for you and your staff to maintain a healthy working atmosphere. It's in this context that you promote greater productivity and, ultimately, better results for your company.

As a bonus for your employer brand, a good corporate culture is also what attracts job applicants.

#5 Greater responsiveness to employee needs

While HXM involves listening to employees' needs and feelings, it also encourages the implementation of a feedback system that will enable you to be more responsive.

Through employee feedback, you have all the keys you need to respond quickly and effectively to issues and concerns. This responsiveness also helps to create a more caring working environment .

As a result, employees are more satisfied, and for your part, you can improve your human resources managementand always offer a pleasant experience to everyone.

As a bonus, you'll be promoting a good employer brand, because everyone likes to be listened to and valued. 👂

#6 A better context for informed decision-making

As you'll have gathered from the previous points, the HXM is the ideal tool for attracting and retaining your talent. But why?

Put simply, you have all the information you need to make more effective and optimal decisions about talent management. You ensure that your strategies are aligned with the needs of employees and, in the event of recruitment and onboarding, with those of candidates.

And of course, ideal decision-making that benefits all 5 points above, from recruitment to human capital management.

How to implement an HXM strategy? 5 steps and our advice

Good practice: 5 key points

#1 Foster a culture of belonging

First and foremost, it is crucial to make a change at the grassroots level if you are to effectively implement an HXM strategy. You therefore need to tackle the corporate culture, and develop a culture of belonging.

You need to ensure that you create an inclusive environment, where diversity of any kind is celebrated and embraced. Each of your employees should be able to feel valued and integrated.

✅ How do you go about it? Set up initiatives such as :

  • team outings
  • teambuilding activities,
  • promoting open communication.

These are just a few examples, so leave it to your creativity to find something that strengthens the feeling of belonging (and why not ask your employees what they think? 😉 ).

#2 Employee well-being

Employee wellbeing is at the heart of HXM.

It's fundamental to ensure that your employees work in a healthy and safe environment, but not the only one.

You must also make a point of maintaining this well-being, whether mental or physical. It's also a necessary part of a good employee culture. ☝️

✅ How do you go about it?

  • Make sure that the working environment is pleasant and that the equipment is suitable. For example, in the case of IT employees, opt for an ergonomic workstation.
  • You can also adopt a flexible working policy, simplified access to mental health support resources, or sporting activities.

This can include health and fitness programmes, flexible working policies, and access to mental health support resources.

#3 Stress management

Managing stress is essential to maintaining a healthy working environment.

Conversely, if stress invades the workspace, the safe environment and sense of integration are forgotten. In short, nothing positive can come of it. 😮‍💨

To implement an HXM strategy, you need to include ways of helping employees to manage stress. Prevention is better than cure, isn't it?

✅ How do you go about it? You can set up :

  • training in time and task management,
  • better workspaces,
  • psychological support programmes.

Encourage regular breaks, respect for working time and work-life balance.

That's what a healthy working environment is all about. And bonus point for your employer brand: you're also boosting your company's retention rate and attractiveness!

#4 Professional recognition

Taking care of the working environment is not enough to activate an HXM strategy; you also need to ensure that your employees are proud of their work and what they bring to the company.

You need to recognise the efforts and achievements of each individual: this is a key factor in motivating them further and increasing their level of commitment.

If you show them that they can have prospects for development, you support their desire to continue the adventure with you.

✅ How do you go about it? Give them regular positive feedback, and set up rewards or small celebrations for their successes.

Your recognition must be sincere and timely, otherwise little credit will be given to your feedback. Whatever you decide to do, it must be aligned with your employees' personal and professional objectives.

#5 Skills development

Professional recognition isn't the only aspect offering prospects for advancement within the company. Skills development is also an essential part of an HXM strategy.

As well as meeting your needs in terms of skills, you are also meeting those of your employees who are looking for professional and personal development.

✅ How do you go about it? You need to offer your employees opportunities for continuous learning and training. Don't just focus on training specific to their role, think about cross-functional skills such as communication, team management and leadership.

Training management software is particularly relevant here, enabling you to maximise the effectiveness of your approach.

Technology at the service of people

It can be difficult to implement an HXM strategy effectively. Even if you've got the theory down, putting everything we've talked about into practice requires magic fingers and a certain amount of HXM savvy. 🧚

Rest assured, there are tools to help you along the way.

⚒️ Atlas HXM, for example, is an Employer of Record (EOR) solution for better human capital management in an international context.

  • Atlas HXM takes care of all the administrative formalities linked to human resources, from international recruitment to the payment of salaries in accordance with local regulations, in more than 160 countries.
  • It manages the tedious tasks and leaves the human side to you, so you have plenty of time to implement your HXM strategy!

Human Experience Management in a nutshell

HXM is an approach to human resources management that focuses on employee experience and well-being.

By combining the benefits of HCM with an increased focus on the human experience, HXM fosters greater employee engagement and strengthens corporate culture.

This strategy is not limited to improving the working environment; it aims to create a synergy through which the well-being of employees is synonymous with success for the company, embodying a modern and human vision of human resources management.

Article translated from French

Coralie Petit

Coralie Petit, Growth Editorial Manager

After attaining a master's degree in translation and communication, Coralie stepped into the world of SEO and copywriting, drawn by the magic of words and the art of influencing. With her social media expertise, she effortlessly navigates digital communication. Fluent in English, Japanese and French, Coralie skilfully uses her understanding of cultural and linguistic nuances to engage a broad and diverse audience.

Fun fact: In her free time, Coralie swaps her keyboard for a game controller and an apron, indulging her passions for video games and food. She’s currently on a quest to find the best ramen in Paris. 🍜