Exploring the EX Report 2025: Insights from our latest research

Katie Austin
Minutes
21 January 2025
Employee Engagement
Employee Experience
Research
Employee Experience
Research
At The EX Space, we’re dedicated to driving meaningful conversations around Employee Experience (EX). Our latest EX Report for 2025 offers a rich analysis of trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping EX today.
In a recent webinar, Emma and Lee delved into the findings, unpacking the state of EX and engagement with practical insights for practitioners.
Here, we share some of the key highlights and implications from the report - but don't forget you can also watch the webinar back here!
In a recent webinar, Emma and Lee delved into the findings, unpacking the state of EX and engagement with practical insights for practitioners.
Here, we share some of the key highlights and implications from the report - but don't forget you can also watch the webinar back here!
Budgets and Leadership Support: Persistent Barriers
One recurring theme in the report is the lack of investment in EX. Over 25% of organisations surveyed operate with EX budgets under £10,000, and 36% reported needing to justify every expense with a business case. Only 19% of respondents felt their budgets were sufficient to execute their EX plans effectively.
This financial constraint ties closely to another significant challenge: the need for greater senior leadership buy-in. Without a clear strategy and compelling data to prove the ROI of EX, securing leadership support remains a considerable obstacle. Many organisations claim their people are their greatest asset, but this sentiment often doesn’t translate into meaningful investment.
One recurring theme in the report is the lack of investment in EX. Over 25% of organisations surveyed operate with EX budgets under £10,000, and 36% reported needing to justify every expense with a business case. Only 19% of respondents felt their budgets were sufficient to execute their EX plans effectively.
This financial constraint ties closely to another significant challenge: the need for greater senior leadership buy-in. Without a clear strategy and compelling data to prove the ROI of EX, securing leadership support remains a considerable obstacle. Many organisations claim their people are their greatest asset, but this sentiment often doesn’t translate into meaningful investment.
Harnessing Data and Technology
Despite these challenges, the report shows promising advancements in the use of data and technology to enhance EX. Organisations are increasingly adopting real-time data tools, while reliance on traditional annual surveys continues to decline.
This shift reflects a growing focus on agility and actionable insights. Additionally, 18% of organisations report using AI to support their EX efforts. Although adoption is still in its early stages, AI offers the potential to personalise and streamline processes, enabling practitioners to prioritise human-centred initiatives.
However, as Emma highlighted during the webinar, data is only valuable if it leads to action. Collecting insights is just the beginning—success lies in using this information to drive tangible improvements in the employee experience.
Despite these challenges, the report shows promising advancements in the use of data and technology to enhance EX. Organisations are increasingly adopting real-time data tools, while reliance on traditional annual surveys continues to decline.
This shift reflects a growing focus on agility and actionable insights. Additionally, 18% of organisations report using AI to support their EX efforts. Although adoption is still in its early stages, AI offers the potential to personalise and streamline processes, enabling practitioners to prioritise human-centred initiatives.
However, as Emma highlighted during the webinar, data is only valuable if it leads to action. Collecting insights is just the beginning—success lies in using this information to drive tangible improvements in the employee experience.
Shifting Priorities for EX Practitioners
The report identifies several evolving priorities for those working in EX:
Emma and Lee emphasised the importance of defining EX within the unique context of an organisation’s purpose and culture. A clear definition, supported by a strategic approach, is essential for securing leadership backing and driving meaningful progress.
The report identifies several evolving priorities for those working in EX:
- Redesigning Workplace Experiences: Although the focus on rethinking specific touchpoints, such as onboarding, has decreased slightly, this remains a critical area for EX practitioners.
- Building Line Manager Capability: Line managers play a pivotal role in shaping daily employee experiences, yet only 14% of organisations believe their managers have a good understanding of EX plans, and just 12% think they possess the right skills.
- Hybrid Work and Purpose-Led Cultures: In the face of debates around remote work and return-to-office policies, organisations leading the way are crafting people-first workplaces that balance individual, team, and organisational needs.
Emma and Lee emphasised the importance of defining EX within the unique context of an organisation’s purpose and culture. A clear definition, supported by a strategic approach, is essential for securing leadership backing and driving meaningful progress.
The Challenge of Measuring Impact
One of the more concerning findings is that only 35% of organisations measure the impact of their EX initiatives, and a mere 15% can demonstrate financial ROI. Without robust measurement, it becomes difficult to refine strategies or make a compelling case for continued investment. As Emma noted, while the business case for investing in people is well-established, translating this into action remains a challenge for many organisations.
One of the more concerning findings is that only 35% of organisations measure the impact of their EX initiatives, and a mere 15% can demonstrate financial ROI. Without robust measurement, it becomes difficult to refine strategies or make a compelling case for continued investment. As Emma noted, while the business case for investing in people is well-established, translating this into action remains a challenge for many organisations.
Reasons for Optimism
Despite these hurdles, there are positive signs on the horizon. Nearly half of the report’s respondents are optimistic that EX will improve over the next year. This confidence is driven by advancements in technology, evolving workplace dynamics, and growing recognition of EX as a key driver of organisational success.
During the webinar, Emma posed a powerful question: how can EX professionals achieve the same transformation their IT counterparts have undergone? IT leaders have evolved from back-office support roles to influential, strategic decision-makers at the C-suite level. For EX to gain the resources and influence it needs, it must chart a similar path.
Despite these hurdles, there are positive signs on the horizon. Nearly half of the report’s respondents are optimistic that EX will improve over the next year. This confidence is driven by advancements in technology, evolving workplace dynamics, and growing recognition of EX as a key driver of organisational success.
During the webinar, Emma posed a powerful question: how can EX professionals achieve the same transformation their IT counterparts have undergone? IT leaders have evolved from back-office support roles to influential, strategic decision-makers at the C-suite level. For EX to gain the resources and influence it needs, it must chart a similar path.
Dive Deeper with The EX Space
The 2025 EX Report is packed with valuable insights and strategies to help you tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead. Download the full report today and check out our various resources, tools, and of course, our community support.
The 2025 EX Report is packed with valuable insights and strategies to help you tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead. Download the full report today and check out our various resources, tools, and of course, our community support.