At The HR Hub we live by a simple but powerful philosophy, The MAGIC of HR. It’s all about focusing on the five pillars that can give any business a serious boost: Meaning, Accountability, Growth, Inclusion, and Care. Or as we like to call it, the MAGIC formula. And yes, it really does work like magic when applied across all stages of the employee experience.
We created an HR Scorecard Discovery Quiz and surveyed 143 companies to understand how well they’re using the MAGIC Framework across various HR categories, from recruitment to onboarding, retention to off-boarding.
Today we’re using the MAGIC formula to look at the employee experience – that magical journey your people embark on from the moment they walk through the door (or log in from their kitchen table) to the day they say their goodbyes.
Onboarding Like a Boss
With an average score of 79.8%, it’s clear that most of the companies we surveyed knew how to roll out the red carpet for their new hires. Of course you want to cover the basics: give them a warm welcome, set them up for success, and making sure they don’t spend their first week lost in the office (or worse, in endless Zoom calls). But don’t forget throughout to weave a sense of purpose into their job.
Onboarding isn’t just about ticking off tasks – it’s about giving new employees a sense of Meaning from day one. When people understand how their work contributes to the bigger picture, they’re more engaged, more motivated, and more likely to stick around.
The Offboarding Black Hole
The offboarding process – or lack thereof – scored a measly 54.5% from our respondents. It was like they were all too busy popping the Prosecco to notice the exit door was hanging off its hinges. How you say goodbye matters. Not just for the employee leaving, but for the ones staying behind. And don’t forget, today’s ex-employee could be tomorrow’s brand advocate (or your worst nightmare on Glassdoor).
This is where Accountability comes into play. Offboarding isn’t just a box-ticking exercise; it’s about taking responsibility for your people until the very end. Show them you care about their future, even if it’s no longer with you. A thoughtful offboarding process can leave a lasting positive impression and might just turn that leaver into your biggest advocate.
Where’s the Growth?
Next up, Growth opportunities. With a score of 59.3%, it seemed like some of our respondents might be feeling stuck on the career ladder. If the only way for your team to grow is to leave, you’re in trouble. People want to feel like they’re going somewhere – help them see the path ahead, or risk them walking out the door.
Growth is a big one in the MAGIC formula – it’s literally in the name. Growth isn’t just about promotions; it’s about creating opportunities for learning, development, and personal advancement at every stage. When employees see that they have room to grow, they’re not just more engaged; they’re more loyal. So if you’re not already investing in your team’s development, now’s the time to start.
Show Me the Money (And the Recognition)
Finally, let’s talk rewards. Scoring 62.9% wasn’t terrible from our surveyed companies, but it wasn’t exactly setting the world on fire either. Whether it’s a pat on the back, a bonus, or just a simple “thank you,” recognition goes a long way. If your people feel underappreciated, they won’t stick around long enough to appreciate you.
This is where Inclusion and Care come into the equation. Recognition isn’t just about the big bonuses (though those help!); it’s about making sure everyone feels valued and included. A simple act of recognition can show your employees that you see them, that their contributions matter, and that they’re an integral part of the team. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-timed “thank you.”
So, What’s the Plan?
Employee experience isn’t just HR’s problem – it’s your problem. And fixing it isn’t rocket science. Start by taking a good hard look at your weakest areas. Whether it’s offboarding, growth, or rewards, figure out where you’re falling short and get to work. And remember, the MAGIC formula isn’t just a catchy acronym; it’s a proven approach to building a workplace where people actually want to work.
At thehrhub.co.uk, we’re here to help you apply that MAGIC across all stages of the employee experience. Whether it’s giving your onboarding process that extra sprinkle of meaning, boosting your growth opportunities, or making sure your offboarding process leaves everyone with a smile, we’ve got you covered. Because at the end of the day, a happy team means a happy bottom line.
Need help creating better employee experiences? Drop us a line via hello@thehrhub.co.uk or give us a call on 0203 6277048. If you don’t want to speak to anyone but would like to learn more, read my book The MAGIC of HR.
