Introducing: The EX Space Advent Calendar:

24 Days of Inspiration, Tools & Little Surprises
Katie Austin

Minutes
Throughout December 2025
Employee Experience
Employee Engagement
People-First
Internal Communication
Over the past 24 days, we’ve been opening the doors on The EX Space Advent Calendar — sharing tools, ideas, reflections, and practical resources to support more human-centred Employee Experience and Engagement.

Behind each door was something designed to help you pause, reflect, and take small but meaningful steps forward — from bite-sized thinking and practical tools, to prompts for better conversations and braver design choices.

If you’ve missed a day (or a few!), everything is here for you to explore at your own pace. Think of it as a snapshot of the themes that have shaped our work this year: people-first thinking, intentional design, and navigating change — including AI — without losing what makes work human.

And behind our final door, we’ve shared our biggest gift of all...
To close out our Advent calendar, we wanted to share something a little bigger.
As work changes at pace — with AI reshaping roles, expectations and ways of working — many teams can feel a shift happening… but aren’t always sure how to respond. So, for a small number of organisations, Lee and Emma are offering a complimentary, one-hour People-First team session (you can choose for the focus to be on either People-First Internal Communication, or EX more broadly) — these will be practical, working conversations designed to help teams make sense of what’s changing and what to do next.

It’s a space to step back, think together, and reconnect with the human purpose of employee experience.
Your team will get:
  • A clear, modern view of what People-First EX really means in the age of AI
  • A shift from fixing problems to intentionally designing experiences that support people and performance
  • A simple, practical EX design loop you can start using straight away
  • Space to reflect on what’s already working — and where you could elevate impact quickly


We’re only offering a handful of these sessions, and they’re designed for teams who want to lead the change — not just react to it. If this feels like a helpful way to start 2026, just hit message hello@theex.space and we’ll share some options. A small gift to end the year — and a strong way to begin the next.

What we uncovered behind the advent doors...

The Best Experience Tool

A simple activity that helps teams share stories of their best moments at work — revealing what truly engages them, the conditions that made those experiences possible, and the themes that matter most.

A brilliant way to build empathy and uncover the real drivers of great employee experience.

The EX Archetypes

Based on research with EX trailblazers, the EX Archetype model reveals the four core roles shaping employee experience: Architect, Planner, Designer and Builder.

It’s a practical way to reflect on where your strengths lie, how your role creates impact, and which skills matter most for thriving in the EX era.

PFIC Discount Code!

People First Communication is Emma Bridger and Lee Smith’s brand-new guide to communicating with purpose, clarity and most importantly, humanity in today’s world of work. Blending research, practical frameworks and real-world experience.
Today’s gift is 20% off the RRP using code AHR20 at the checkout.

Closing the Loop

Closing the Loop shares practical insight from EX and EE leaders on how to turn employee voice into meaningful change.

It reframes listening as an experience — and explores what gets in the way, what “good” looks like, and the actions that help you move from insight to impact. 

One of our favourites...

The Happy Secret to Better Work.

In this hugely popular TED Talk, Shawn Achor explores the powerful link between happiness and performance.

It’s fast, funny and full of practical insight, offering a boost of energy and perspective for anyone navigating the pressures of modern work.

Expert Insights

In this standout session, Damon Deaner shares practical, experience-led thinking on what great Employee Experience really looks like in fast-moving organisations.

He explores the mindsets, methods and shifts, you can apply straight away – to shape more human, purposeful experiences.  

EX Files - British Red Cross

This powerful case study offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the British Red Cross approached Employee Experience in a uniquely complex, human-centred environment.

It explores the challenges they faced, the methods they used, and the lessons learned — offering real insight into what it takes to design meaningful experiences in high-pressure, mission-driven settings.

The EX Readiness Check

The EX Readiness Check helps you understand how prepared you are to design meaningful, human-centred employee experiences.

It explores your strengths across two areas — human-centred skills and human-centred methods — giving you a clear view of where you are today and what to develop next.

A brilliant tool for anyone wanting to grow their EX capability.

The EX Lens

The EX Lens is a practical thinking and planning tool that helps you understand what truly shapes a great employee experience.

Built from thousands of ‘Best EX’ stories, it brings together nine universal themes — whilst also emphasising individual differences.

It’s a powerful way to refocus your work on what matters most to your people and design EX with intention.

50% Off EX Space Pro!

Unlock full access to every accredited masterclass, toolkit, template, diagnostic and People-First IC course with EX Space Pro.

It’s the best way to deepen your capability, build confidence and access the complete library of practical, human-centred EX resources.

Enjoy 50% off until the end of the year with code GOPRO50.

People-First IC Explorer

In this practical introduction, you’ll learn the core principles of the approach, why the profession needs to evolve, and how to start shifting from content delivery to experience design and strategic influence.

It covers the mindset, behaviours and the role IC plays in shaping trust, clarity and connection, making it a great starting point for anyone looking to build stronger, more human-centred communication skills.

The STORY activity

The STORY framework helps you craft a clear, compelling ‘elevator pitch’ for Employee Experience.

It guides you to explain the strategic context, the challenges your organisation is facing, the value EX brings, and the support you need from stakeholders — all in a succinct, persuasive narrative that resonates.

Armed with this, you'll be better equipped to win support and buy-in.

EX Insights - Bruce Daisley

In this energetic, thought-provoking session, Bruce Daisley explores what it really takes to find joy at work in a world that’s becoming increasingly demanding.

Building on ideas from his bestselling books, he shares practical, research-backed insights into culture, motivation and wellbeing — offering a fresh, human perspective on how we can all work happier and lead better.

EX Files - Lockton

This real-world case study takes you inside Lockton’s approach to designing better employee experiences within a large, fast-paced organisation.

We explores the methods, mindsets and practical steps they used to build momentum — offering honest insight into what works, what’s challenging, and how meaningful EX change really happens.

PFIC Capability Model

A clear, practical framework outlining the skills and mindsets modern internal communicators need to thrive.

It helps you understand what “great” looks like in the Human + AI era, assess your own strengths and gaps, and identify priority areas to develop — whether you’re building your own capability or supporting a wider team.  

Ideation activities

A set of simple, energising exercises designed to get people thinking creatively before a workshop or problem-solving session.

These warm-ups help teams shift out of “business as usual,” build confidence, and open up more imaginative, human-centred ideas — setting the tone for better design conversations.

The Power of Believing...

...you can improve.

Carol Dweck’s inspiring TED Talk  introduces the idea of a growth mindset — showing how shifting from “I can’t” to “I can’t yet” transforms how we learn, grow and tackle challenges. It’s a motivating reminder of the power of belief, effort and curiosity, both in ourselves and the people we support at work.

Human + AI for EX

This practical introduction to using AI in a way that strengthens — rather than replaces — the uniquely human skills at the heart of Employee Experience.

This mini guide helps you understand where AI adds value, where it doesn’t, and how to use it to free up more time for strategic, creative and human-centred work.

AI-Ready People-First IC

A focused guide for internal communicators on how to use AI thoughtfully and purposefully.

It shows where AI can support drafting, insight and creativity — and where the human touch is essential — helping you elevate clarity, trust and connection in your communication.

The Power of Personas

A practical session that shows how to use personas to truly understand the different needs, motivations and contexts of your people.

It helps you bring employees’ realities into focus, design with more empathy, and create experiences that resonate more deeply across diverse groups.

EX Files: Leeds University

This digital workplace case study explores how Silicon Reef partnered with the University of Leeds to design a more intuitive, people-first digital experience. It offers practical insight into user needs, adoption challenges and the mindsets that support creating a truly connected, consumer-grade digital workplace.

Service Design Blueprint

A practical tool for mapping the full employee experience — from what people see and feel to the systems, processes and handoffs behind the scenes.

It helps you spot friction points, align teams and design more seamless, intentional experiences across any journey or internal service.

The Stuck Record Podcast

A thoughtful, honest and often funny podcast from our founders, Emma and Lee, exploring the realities of modern work, communication and culture.

Packed with big ideas, human stories and practical insight, it’s the perfect listen for a dose of inspiration (and a few “me too” moments).

A people-first team session

Emma and Lee are offering a complimentary, one-hour people-first session focused on either Internal Comms or EX more broadly.

This practical session will help teams make sense of what’s changing, reconnect with the human purpose of EX and leave with tools they can use straight away.