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Employees who are happy perpetuate a positive employee experience

Cassandra Babilya explains why happy, supported employees strengthen culture, creativity and the employee experience.

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Happy employees can strengthen the employee experience for everyone. When people feel supported, valued and able to grow, they are more likely to be creative, productive and positive advocates for the workplace. That energy can attract talent and reinforce a culture where more people thrive.

In a July 2023 People Developing People interview, accomplished corporate culture leader Cassandra Babilya, then Head of Employee Experience Strategy at Amazon Web Services, sat down with Jason Lavender, the Co-Founder and CEO of Electives. Cassandra shared her passion for transforming the workplace into an environment where people thrive.

During this segment, Cassandra talks about how positive employee experiences are beneficial to all employees.

Read the transcript:

Cassandra B: I believe that food made with love tastes better. And employees who are happy in their jobs, who are supported and valued and have what they need to grow in their careers, they are more creative. They're more innovative. They're more productive. And they're more likely to rave about their experience with a company, and draw in and attract more top talent will that will continue to perpetuate this virtuous cycle. That is a positive employee experience.

Read Cassandra's full interview here

What does this mean for People leaders?

Cassandra’s point is practical: employee experience is not only about perks or moments of recognition. It is about whether people have the support, trust and growth opportunities they need to do meaningful work.

For HR, People and L&D leaders, that means culture work should connect to everyday behavior. When employees feel equipped and valued, they are more likely to contribute ideas, build stronger relationships and help others experience the organization in a positive way. Whether the priority is culture, engagement or AI adoption, the same principle applies: work changes when people feel supported enough to change how work gets done.

About Cassandra Babilya

Cassandra Babilya is an accomplished corporate culture leader, mother, lifelong learner and coach who is passionate about transforming the workplace into an environment where people thrive. With a diverse background that spans teaching, espionage and leadership roles, Cassandra brings a unique perspective to her work. Her mission is to make work more enjoyable and fulfilling for individuals and organizations.

At the time of the interview, Cassandra had been an integral part of Amazon Web Services (AWS) since 2016, where she served as the Head of Employee Experience Strategy for the Global Services organization. In this role, she led the development and implementation of strategies designed to enhance employee engagement, foster a positive work culture and drive organizational success. Cassandra's expertise lies in creating inclusive cultures, coaching individuals to reach their full potential and elevating the overall employee experience.

Recognizing the widespread challenge of burnout among employees, Cassandra is determined to tackle the systemic issues that contribute to this problem. Cassandra believes organizations can create environments where employees thrive by transforming workplace cultures and addressing underlying systemic challenges, leading to increased productivity, engagement and employee wellbeing.

Cassandra is a sought-after speaker and thought leader on career coaching, inclusive culture and employee experience. As an advocate for positive change, Cassandra's unwavering commitment to making work more fulfilling and joyful sets her apart.

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Frequently asked questions

Why do happy employees improve the employee experience?

Happy employees help create a stronger employee experience because they are more likely to feel supported, valued and able to grow. Cassandra Babilya explains that those conditions can fuel creativity, productivity and advocacy, which can help attract more talent and reinforce a positive culture.

What should HR leaders take from Cassandra Babilya’s employee experience advice?

HR leaders should focus on the conditions that help people thrive: support, value, growth opportunities and a culture that makes work more fulfilling. The goal is not just happier employees, but a healthier cycle of engagement, innovation and retention.

How can companies address burnout through employee experience?

Companies can address burnout by looking beyond individual resilience and examining the systems, norms and culture that shape daily work. Cassandra’s perspective emphasizes transforming workplace culture so employees have what they need to do good work and grow.

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