We’re back with another installment of our Experts on Employee Experience Webinar Series, where Keith, Epoch’s COO, and Co-Founder, connects with thought leaders and innovators redefining the employee experience landscape. In this engaging virtual webinar, Keith had an in-depth conversation with Gregory Tew, DPD Program Manager at Hatch, and Matthew Dietly, Strategy Principal at WONGDOODY, to explore the role of technology, data, and human connection in shaping modern workplaces.
They shared actionable insights on navigating change fatigue, fostering collaboration, and building meaningful employee experiences in today’s data-driven world.
Watch the recording here, and read on for the highlights from their discussion! 📝⬇️
Employee experience (EX) is more than just a buzzword, it is a critical factor in business success. Matthew Dietly highlighted that employees who feel good about their work environment and the tools available are more productive, directly impacting customer satisfaction. When employees have what they need to excel, their motivation and performance improve, creating a ripple effect throughout the organization.
Gregory Tew built on this idea, emphasizing the need to design technology from the end user's perspective. Success is not just about functionality but about how employees feel when interacting with tools and processes. Calm, motivated employees who see their contributions are likelier to create better outcomes for themselves and the business.
Both speakers delved into the current trends shaping employee engagement, starting with the pervasive issue of change fatigue. Matthew observed that employees are often overwhelmed by the constant introduction of new tools and processes, even when these changes are designed to be beneficial. This ongoing adjustment creates stress and resistance, which can erode morale over time.
Gregory reflected on the concept of system fatigue, where the duality of technology becomes apparent. While technology can potentially connect people, it can also isolate them when deployed incorrectly. Employees may feel disengaged and disconnected if they are overwhelmed by systems that lack meaningful integration. Understanding employee expectations is key to addressing these issues. Matthew noted that successful organizations prioritize listening to their employees and finding ways to deliver value through technology and processes that align with their needs.
Another critical topic was the growing sense of disconnection in the workplace. Gregory described disconnection as the absence of belonging, a fundamental human need. Disconnection negatively impacts motivation and performance, whether caused by poorly implemented technology or insufficient face-to-face interaction. He stressed that the duality of technology requires leaders to consider carefully whether their tools promote or counteract connection.
Matthew discussed the "loneliness epidemic," a societal trend reflected in the workplace. Employees often feel isolated due to remote work, siloed teams, and other factors that pull people apart. He pointed out that while digital tools are helpful, they are no substitute for face-to-face interaction. Both speakers agreed that creating opportunities for human connection is essential in combating these challenges.
Technology and data play a pivotal role in shaping workplace culture, but their misuse can exacerbate disconnection. Gregory observed that excessive time on repetitive digital tasks can make employees feel like cogs in a machine, leading to disengagement. He argued that while data is the currency of the future, organizations must balance its use with a focus on humanity, diversity, and collaboration.
Matthew noted that digital workflows often strip away the personal connection between employees, causing them to lose sight of how their work impacts others. This lack of connection can reduce empathy and care in their output. However, when used thoughtfully, technology can also bring people together. Hatch’s integration of a shared data environment demonstrated how connected data sets can foster collaboration and accountability, helping teams to work together effectively.
Building human connection in the workplace requires intentionality and alignment with employee needs. Matthew emphasized the importance of understanding workforce goals and aligning initiatives to create value for employees and employers. Involving employees in the change process fosters early buy-in and strengthens their connection to the organization’s goals.
Gregory highlighted the role of automation and AI in creating time for meaningful work. By eliminating mundane tasks, employees can focus on collaboration and problem-solving. Hatch’s approach to creating a shared data environment further demonstrated how intentional design can break down silos and foster a sense of shared purpose.
Accurate data collection is essential for driving meaningful outcomes. Gregory stressed that data collection must be an active process, supported by strong leadership. He explained that collaboration and performance improve when employees understand their role in generating and using data.
Matthew introduced the concept of the "Watermelon Effect," where metrics appear positive on the surface but fail to reflect the true employee experience. He argued that combining quantitative metrics with qualitative feedback is essential to capture organizational health accurately. Measuring the right things enables organizations to learn and adapt, ensuring that initiatives are genuinely effective.
When data collection and technology are implemented correctly, the results can be transformative. Hatch’s development of "Coach Cooper," an AI assistant, exemplified this potential. Gregory explained that Coach Cooper was designed as a motivational persona to make AI tools more approachable and engaging. The goal was to create a character that resonates with employees and helps them see the value of the tools they are using.
Matthew shared that employees were initially hesitant to adopt new tools, but the introduction of Coach Cooper helped bridge the gap between functionality and emotional engagement. By making the tools relatable and personal, Hatch was able to foster greater adoption and satisfaction.
Epoch is here to support your journey toward building a thriving employee culture. Epoch's platform streamlines every aspect of employee engagement from planning and promoting internal events to gathering feedback and analytics. Connect with employees through email, Slack, calendaring, and real-time analytics, making it easier than ever to create impactful experiences.
Are you curious about how Epoch can transform your organization’s engagement strategies? Book a demo today!
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