The Power of Champions and Networks in Employee Experience

In the world of EX, we talk a lot about listening, co-creation, and designing with – not just for – employees. But how do we actually bring that to life inside our organisations?

One of the most powerful (and often underused) tools is the employee network. That might be a formal staff network, a group of change ambassadors, a community of EX or engagement champions, or even an informal peer-led working group focused on wellbeing or inclusion. Whatever you call them, these groups are the emotional and practical engine behind much of the work we try to do in experience design.

Why Employee-Led Groups Work

Let’s be honest: organisational change is hard.

Engagement strategies can feel top-down. Listening campaigns sometimes get lost in translation. But when you have trusted peers embedded across the business, acting as connectors, sense-makers and advocates? That’s where things start to shift.

Employee groups like these:

Help ideas stick – translating organisational intent into everyday conversations
Surface reality – offering honest, ground-level insight that surveys can’t reach
Act as allies – supporting wellbeing, inclusion and engagement on a human level
Create connection – building communities of shared purpose and belonging

And crucially – they help EX leaders and internal teams to scale their impact without burning out or trying to do it all alone.

What Makes a Great Champion Network?

Not all networks are created equal. If you’re looking to set one up (or reinvigorate an existing one), here are a few things to think about:

Clarity of purpose: Is this about championing culture? Embedding a strategy? Supporting change?
The right people: You don’t just want volunteers – you want people who are trusted, curious, and committed to learning.
Support and guidance: Too often, champions are expected to perform without the right tools or time.
Space to share: Create feedback loops, moments to connect, and a sense of belonging within the group.
Celebration and recognition: Make it visible. Celebrate stories. Show the difference they're making.

Tools to help you build or refresh your network

We know this can feel like a lot to take on – which is why we’ve pulled together some of the best thinking and practical resources in one place.

The Employee Champions Power Pack is designed to help you:

Build the case for a network
Identify and recruit the right people
Set the group up for long-term impact
Sustain energy and connection over time

This Powerpack is available for pro members and now also as a stand alone course via PAYG.

There’s also a brilliant webinar on staff networks and champions available to all members – packed with examples from people who’ve done it in their own organisations.

👋 Not a member yet? Join The EX Space for free and get access to webinars, resources, and a community of peers who are all navigating the same challenges.