Remember when the "office experience" meant functional desks, basic coffee, and maybe a ping-pong table if you were lucky? Those days are long gone. Today's organizations are discovering that workplace experience isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a strategic imperative that directly impacts engagement, retention, and bottom-line performance.
As we navigate the complexities of hybrid work, return-to-office mandates, and an increasingly competitive talent market, one question keeps surfacing in boardrooms across America: How do we create workplaces that people actually want to be in, not just where they have to be?
The answer lies in understanding and mastering workplace experience. Let's dive into what this means, why it matters more than ever, and how forward-thinking organizations are transforming their offices into destinations that drive culture and performance.
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What is Workplace Experience? A Clear Definition
What is workplace experience? Simply put, it's the overall quality of an employee's day-to-day environment at work—encompassing the physical workspace, digital tools, and social interactions that shape how it feels to work in a given organization.
The workplace experience definition has evolved significantly from the basic facilities management of a decade ago. Today, it draws inspiration from hospitality and focuses on designing "spaces people actually want to be in," where employees feel supported, connected, and empowered.
But here's where it gets nuanced: workplace experience is distinct from employee experience, though the two are closely related. Employee experience encompasses the entire journey of an employee with the organization—from recruitment to onboarding, daily work, development, and eventually exit. Workplace experience, by contrast, zeroes in on the "daily work" stage of that journey.
As one industry publication puts it, "while employee experience transcends location, workplace experience is contingent upon and emerges from the physical workspace." This includes virtual "workplace" tools that have become critical in our hybrid world. The experience in the workplace is fundamentally about the immediate, day-to-day reality of being at work—the desks and meeting rooms, the coffee in the breakroom, the ease of finding information, and the vibe among colleagues.
The Rise of Workplace Experience Roles: Manager, Coordinator, and Designer
One of the most telling signs of workplace experience's growing importance is the emergence of dedicated roles with titles like workplace experience manager, workplace experience coordinator, and workplace experience designer. These positions were virtually unheard of a decade ago but have quickly gained momentum around 2023–2025.
According to LinkedIn's "Jobs on the Rise 2023" report, Employee Experience Manager (a closely related role) ranked 5th among the fastest-growing jobs in the U.S. A global commercial real estate survey found that dedicated "community or workplace experience managers" were present in only about 25% of companies in 2022, but jumped to roughly 33% a year later—with another 9% of firms considering adding one.
What Does a Workplace Experience Manager Do?
A workplace experience manager acts as the champion of employees' day-to-day experience in the workplace. JLL describes these professionals as "workplace ambassadors" who orchestrate positive experiences that draw people to the office.
In practice, this means a mix of duties bridging traditional facilities management and hospitality. A workplace experience manager might oversee everything from office layout and amenities to organizing well-being initiatives, social events, and themed days that bring fun and camaraderie to the workplace. One workplace experience manager described his job succinctly: "My job is to create a great experience and community for our people."
These professionals pay attention to critical details: Is the lobby welcoming? Are collaboration areas being used effectively? Do employees have easy tools for common tasks like finding a desk or booking a room? If not, they rally the right teams—IT, HR, facilities—to fix it.
Skills and Salary Landscape
Many workplace experience coordinators and managers come from backgrounds in office management, facilities, or HR. The skill set is inherently interdisciplinary: part facilities/operations, part HR (to understand people's needs), and part communications/event planning. Empathy and creativity are key—these professionals must design workplaces through employees' eyes.
Workplace experience jobs are also increasingly data-informed roles. Managers might track space utilization or survey feedback to identify what's working and what isn't. Department-wise, they often straddle divisions—some report through Facilities or Corporate Real Estate, others sit within HR or "People Operations."
Salary ranges vary widely based on scope and location. Glassdoor data indicates a workplace experience manager in the U.S. can earn roughly $55,000 to $120,000+ annually. Junior workplace experience coordinators typically earn $45,000–$60,000, while senior roles like Workplace Experience Director can command $110,000–$140,000 in major tech hubs.
The emerging title of workplace experience designer reflects how companies are taking a design-thinking approach to the workplace, treating it almost like a product or service that should be user-friendly and enjoyable.
Why Workplace Experience Matters More Than Ever in 2025
Several converging trends have made workplace experience a competitive necessity rather than a nice-to-have:
Engagement Crisis and Productivity Impact
Gallup's 2024 workplace report showed global engagement at only 21%, with U.S. engagement hitting its lowest in over a decade. Low engagement and workplace dissatisfaction carry real costs—Gallup estimates disengagement cost the world $438 billion in lost productivity in 2024.
A poor workplace experience—frustrating technology, uninspiring office atmosphere, lack of social connection—is a significant factor in disengagement. Conversely, by fostering a sense of belonging, connection, and purpose, workplace experience managers can boost employee engagement, wellbeing, and productivity.
Hybrid Work and Return-to-Office Challenges
The post-pandemic hybrid era has raised the stakes dramatically. Employees now compare the office experience to the comfort of home, and global benchmarks find the home office still rates higher for satisfaction than the corporate office. In one large 2024 survey, the average workplace experience score was 69.5 out of 100, while the work-from-home experience scored 79.5.
As companies push return-to-office mandates, there's tension. Gartner analysts warn that heavy-handed RTO approaches "without the employee experience in mind" can severely damage retention and talent attraction. The narrative has shifted from "return to office" to "return on experience."
Culture and Connection Imperative
The workplace has become a canvas for culture—where values are lived and "the vibe" is felt. In a recent Leesman poll of corporate real estate leaders, the #1 cited reason for keeping an office was "to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange," followed by "to promote employee connection to the organization and sense of pride."
Measurable Business Outcomes
Companies are discovering that improvements in workplace experience correlate with tangible business outcomes. Deloitte finds that organizations focused on employee experience tend to have higher profits (up to 4x more) than those that ignore it. McKinsey reports that companies excelling at delivering positive employee experiences are 1.3 times more likely to outperform their peers.
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How to Build a Great Workplace Experience: Practical Strategies
Creating an effective workplace experience strategy requires a multi-faceted, people-centric approach. Here are the key components:
1. Form a Cross-Functional "Workplace Team"
How to build a great workplace experience starts with breaking down silos. Gartner recommends creating a working group that brings together HR, Facilities/Real Estate, IT, and employee representatives to jointly own the workplace experience strategy.
This ensures that when you roll out changes—like a new desk-booking app or office redesign—all perspectives are considered and efforts are coordinated. There's no point launching a great new workplace experience platform if your facilities team is simultaneously cutting back office services.
2. Clarify Your "Workplace Why"
Every organization should articulate its "workplace why"—the core purpose of having an office in the first place. Is it to facilitate innovation and brainstorming? To strengthen community and belonging? To serve clients? Being clear on this will guide your strategy and help you communicate purpose to employees.
3. Gather Employee Input and Data
A great workplace experience is user-centered. Use surveys, focus groups, and informal feedback channels to learn what your people value. Don't guess—ask them. Also leverage hard data: badge swipes to see office attendance patterns, meeting room booking stats, IT helpdesk logs. These can highlight friction points and provide baseline measurements for improvement.
4. Invest in the Right Amenities and Environment
A common misconception is that workplace experience is all about fancy perks. In truth, fundamentals come first. According to Leesman's extensive surveys, employees consistently prioritize functional, comfortable workspaces—their desk, chair, and monitor remain top priorities, yet roughly a quarter of employees aren't satisfied with these basics.
Before adding flashy amenities, ensure you've got the essentials right: ergonomic furniture, clean and well-lit spaces, control over noise and temperature, and reliable tech infrastructure. Popular 2024 investments include wellness rooms, improved food and beverage options, and upgraded coffee programs—only 63% of employees globally are satisfied with their workplace's refreshment facilities, even though this is highly important to them.
The Power of Premium Beverage Programs: Real Data from the Field
The impact of quality refreshments on workplace experience is more significant than many leaders realize. Commonwealth Joe recently led a corporate office tasting event, giving employees the chance to try premium nitro cold brew on tap along with classic cold brew, cold brew lattes, and vanilla cold brew lattes. Following the event, we offered an optional survey to attendees. Because it was only completed by employees who chose to attend the tasting, the responses reflect the views of individuals already interested in coffee and cold brew - but the insights are still compelling for workplace experience leaders.
Among respondents, 100% indicated they would be likely or very likely to drink cold brew beverages if available in their office, with 74% saying they would consume them multiple times per office visit. Perhaps most telling for workplace experience managers: 100% claimed they would look forward to coming into the office more often if premium cold brew were made available.
The data also highlights how beverage quality impacts employee perception of care. When asked about the statement “Offering cold brew as a free amenity would show that my company cares about employee experience,” 100% agreed—with 89.5% strongly agreeing. Similarly, every respondent said having premium cold brew at work would make them feel more energized and productive.
This research reinforces what workplace experience professionals have long suspected: seemingly small amenities can have an outsized impact on daily morale and the decision to come into the office. As one workplace experience expert noted, “It’s not just about the coffee—it’s about the signal it sends that the organization invests in employee comfort and enjoyment.”
5. Leverage Technology for Digital Workplace Experience
In a hybrid world, the digital workplace experience is inseparable from the physical. Your strategy should include a comprehensive look at your workplace tech stack. Are you equipping people with seamless, integrated tools, or is technology a source of daily frustration?
Many companies now deploy mobile apps that create a "one-stop" workplace experience platform—letting employees reserve desks or parking, see who else is in the office, receive updates, RSVP to events, and even order lunch in one interface. Platforms like HqO, Eptura, and Envoy are examples in this space.
JLL found that using a dedicated workplace experience app alongside an on-site manager yielded big gains—in one case, a company saw event attendance double across 46 offices after rolling out an app plus a curated events program.
6. Program Meaningful In-Person Experiences
A major part of workplace experience is the social and cultural dimension. A powerful strategy to entice people in is offering things they can't get via Zoom. This is where workplace experience managers shine, orchestrating events and "moments" that enrich the day.
Some companies have reintroduced regular "team days" where everyone comes in for a mix of work and fun: team-building activities, knowledge-sharing sessions, catered lunches, or afternoon socials. Others host clubs, interest groups, or short coffee-break events. The goal is creating memorable, personalized touchpoints that make office days special.
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Measuring Workplace Experience: Metrics That Matter
Measuring workplace experience is crucial for continuous improvement. Establish metrics and track them over time:
Quantitative Metrics
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Employee satisfaction scores from pulse surveys
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Workplace experience Net Promoter Score
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Space utilization rates (are people using that new lounge?)
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Office attendance trends versus event days
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IT helpdesk tickets (hopefully declining as tech improves)
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Retention rates and productivity metrics
Qualitative Feedback
Many organizations use frameworks like the Leesman Index to benchmark workplace effectiveness. This survey asks employees about how well their workplace supports various activities and satisfaction with amenities, producing a score out of 100. Companies can identify specific areas for improvement (like "access to quiet spaces") and re-measure after changes.
Case Study: Real-World Success
How to improve workplace experience in practice can be seen in JLL's own office social strategy. Their Work Dynamics team emphasizes designing "social moments" into office life, measuring success through "connection moments"—how often employees from different teams interacted and attended optional gatherings. One workplace experience manager created daily rituals like morning coffee huddles and pop-up demos, resulting in improved inter-team communication and higher engagement in internal surveys.
The Technology Revolution: Digital Workplace Experience Platforms
The digital workplace experience has become just as important as the physical one. The market has exploded with solutions aimed at smoothing the office experience:
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Mobile apps like HqO allow everything from building access to colleague location to event sign-ups
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Visitor management platforms like Envoy simplify check-ins and desk reservations
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Digital signage and communications platforms keep everyone informed with consistent messaging
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IoT sensors and analytics help facilities teams adjust climate, lighting, and cleaning schedules dynamically
The unifying trend is integration—bringing multiple functions into a coherent system so employees aren't juggling ten different apps. The ultimate vision is a "smart workplace" that anticipates needs, perhaps suggesting the best day to come in because teammates will be there and important meetings are scheduled.
Industry Adoption: Who's Hiring and Why
Early adopters of workplace experience roles were often tech companies and coworking firms. Companies like WeWork arguably pioneered the curated workplace experience concept, with community managers serving as precursors to today's workplace experience managers.
According to JLL research, about one-third of large companies globally now have some form of workplace experience manager, and the number is growing. Industries placing strong emphasis include:
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Tech and creative industries (fierce competition for talent)
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Professional services (need to differentiate office experience)
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Finance and law (traditionally conservative sectors now embracing the concept)
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Any company with hybrid work models that needs to entice people to come in
Company size matters too: Fortune 500 and other large employers with elaborate campuses are more likely to have dedicated workplace experience staff. But even mid-sized companies are hiring experience managers to ensure their culture thrives in hybrid work.
Looking Forward: Workplace Experience as Competitive Advantage
As we move deeper into 2025, workplace experience has evolved from a cost center to a strategic differentiator. It's telling that 95% of employees say the quality of their workplace affects their mood and productivity.
The office is no longer just a place to "put people"—it's becoming a curated experience that reflects a company's brand and values. Whether that means transforming your breakroom into a social hub with premium coffee, deploying cutting-edge collaboration tech, or hiring a dedicated workplace experience coordinator to inject hospitality, the goal is creating a destination employees genuinely enjoy.
How to improve workplace experience ultimately comes down to care—caring enough to craft an environment where employees can experience their best work life. Organizations that excel in this area will have a distinct advantage in engagement, retention, and performance.
The companies winning in workplace experience understand that it's an iterative journey. Start by listening to your people and fixing the basics, then layer on creativity—events, programs, and innovations that make your workplace uniquely supportive. Measure what matters so you can celebrate wins and continually adapt.
In the end, improving workplace experience in the workplace is about creating environments where people say, "I'm happy to be here." And in 2025's competitive landscape, that's exactly the kind of energy every organization needs to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workplace Experience
What is workplace experience?
Workplace experience refers to the overall quality of an employee's day-to-day environment at work, encompassing the physical workspace, digital tools, and social interactions that shape how it feels to work in a given organization. Unlike employee experience (which covers the entire employee journey), workplace experience focuses specifically on the immediate, daily reality of being at work—from the desks and meeting rooms to the coffee quality and colleague interactions. It's about creating spaces where employees want to be, not just where they have to be.
What is a digital workplace experience?
Digital workplace experience encompasses all the technology touchpoints that employees interact with during their workday, from collaboration software and mobile apps to intranet platforms and room-booking systems. In our hybrid world, the digital workplace experience has become just as critical as the physical office experience. Research shows that employees shouldn't feel they "leave behind a convenient digital world when they step into the office." A seamless digital workplace experience integrates multiple functions—like desk reservations, colleague location, company updates, and event RSVPs—into unified, user-friendly platforms.
How to improve workplace experience?
How to improve workplace experience starts with understanding your employees' needs through surveys, focus groups, and data analysis of space utilization and pain points. Focus first on the fundamentals: comfortable seating, adequate lighting, noise control, and reliable technology before adding amenities. Form a cross-functional team including HR, IT, and Facilities to coordinate efforts, and invest in both physical improvements (better coffee, wellness rooms, collaboration spaces) and digital solutions (integrated workplace experience platforms). Most importantly, program meaningful in-person experiences like team events and social moments that employees can't get from home.
How to measure workplace experience?
Measuring workplace experience requires both quantitative and qualitative metrics to track progress and identify improvement areas. Use employee satisfaction surveys, Net Promoter Scores for the workplace, and space utilization data to gauge success. Many organizations leverage frameworks like the Leesman Index, which benchmarks workplace effectiveness across various activities and amenities, producing scores out of 100. Track office attendance trends, IT helpdesk tickets, retention rates, and engagement metrics over time. Regular focus groups and feedback sessions provide the qualitative insights needed to understand what's truly working for your people.
What is a workplace experience coordinator (or manager)?
A workplace experience coordinator or manager acts as the champion of employees' day-to-day experience in the workplace, functioning as a "workplace ambassador" who orchestrates positive experiences that draw people to the office. These professionals bridge traditional facilities management with hospitality, overseeing everything from office layout and amenities to organizing wellness initiatives, social events, and community-building activities. According to LinkedIn's data, these roles are among the fastest-growing in the U.S., with salaries ranging from $55,000–$120,000+ depending on scope and location. They typically come from backgrounds in office management, facilities, or HR, bringing skills in operations, people understanding, and event planning.
What are some examples of workplace experience in the workplace?
Examples of effective workplace experience in the workplace span physical, digital, and social dimensions. Physical examples include ergonomic workstations, quiet focus pods, wellness rooms, premium coffee programs, and flexible collaboration spaces that can be easily reconfigured. Digital examples involve integrated mobile apps for desk booking and colleague location, seamless video conferencing setups, and unified communication platforms. Social examples include regular team days with catered lunches, coffee-break events, interest-based clubs, pop-up learning sessions, and surprise treats that create memorable moments. [Recent research from a corporate office tasting event](internal Commonwealth Joe study) found that 100% of employees said premium cold brew availability would make them look forward to coming to the office more often, demonstrating how thoughtful amenities can significantly impact workplace experience.
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By Robert Peck