By Bruce Zicari, Managing Parter and CEO at The Bonadio Group

An exceptional employee experience is a critical component of any successful organization. The employee experience encompasses everything from the moment a candidate submits their job application to the moment an employee eventually departs the company. This includes elements such as the hiring process, work environment, company culture and more. Through optimizing these experiences, organizations can bolster recruitment and retention, enhance productivity and improve employee wellbeing.

So, how exactly can organizations go about optimizing their employee experience? They must first begin by understanding the current experiences of their existing employees. Don’t assume you know what your employees are thinking or experiencing—ask them! Listen to the voices of your employees and cultivate a culture of continuous feedback. This does not mean simply conducting annual performance reviews or sending out an occasional employee survey. A culture of continuous feedback involves consistently engaging with, and listening to, employees.

Employee Interviews
The process of gaining insights from employees may look different from one organization to the next. For example, one option is to conduct “Stay Interviews” with existing employees. During these interviews, you can determine how current practices are impacting your employees’ performance and experience. The process doesn’t end there, however. After receiving input from employees, organizations must follow through and develop plans to address any necessary changes—demonstrating to employees that they are heard and valued.

Mentorship Programs
Mentorship can be another great way to consistently provide feedback to and receive input from employees throughout their time at your organization. If your organization does not already have a mentorship program in place, it may be time to consider developing one. The specifics of mentorship programs differ from one to the next. At its core, however, your program should pair incoming employees with senior members of your organization. This mentor can guide the new employee in their career, answer any questions the mentee may have and provide constructive feedback to the employee. It’s also important to keep in mind that this should be a two-way relationship. Mentors can also gain valuable insights and glean opportunities for improvements from their mentees.

Optimizing the employee experience is a multi-step endeavor. Organizations must first establish a process through which they receive feedback and gather input from employees. Next, organizations must act on this information, adjusting their policies and processes accordingly.

Through listening to their staff and seeking to enhance the employee experience, organizations are not only contributing to the success of their individual employees, but also to the success of their organization as a whole.

Bruce is the Managing Partner and CEO of The Bonadio Group and a member of the firm’s Management Committee and Board of Directors. Bruce has been with Bonadio for 25 years and previously led the firm’s Small Business Advisory Group, serving various commercial and individual clients. His expertise includes tax and financial statement audits and special project consulting, including strategic planning, financing, mergers and acquisitions, and business valuations, among other focus areas. Bruce was named to Forbes’ inaugural list of America’s Top 200 CPAs in 2024 and Best-In-State CPAs in 2025.