At a time when AI, generational shifts, and workplace burnout are redefining the rules of engagement, employee experience (EX) is no longer a perk—it’s the core of business survival. On August 13, 2025, HREX.asia and BASE Playhouse brought together Thailand’s leading CHROs and HR innovators at the #5 Roundtable: Future of Experience to answer a bold question: What should EX look like from Day 0 to Departure?

Here’s what we learned.

1. 💼 Leadership Is Still the #1 Experience Driver

According to Napas Sirivorangkul (Hewitt Consulting), leadership behavior alone drives 75% of employee experience. The top-down gap is still massive. Culture audits mean little if leaders don’t embody the values.

“If the leader doesn’t act as said—there’s no trust, and no follow-through.” — P’Ann, President, PMAT

Takeaway: Don’t start with engagement. Start with the C-suite.

2. 🛠️ L&D Must Convert to Behavior, Not Just Knowledge

Training that ends at “awareness” is no longer enough. The best learning journeys now:

• Simulate real business challenges

• Identify performance gaps, not just skill gaps

• Align L&D outcomes with PMS and business KPIs

Reverse coaching is gaining traction—junior staff guiding leaders on tech, DEI, and cross-gen culture.

3. 📱 HR Tech ≠ Transformation (Unless It’s Humanized)

Tech won’t fix bad processes. It will magnify them.

HR systems need to be built with three human truths in mind:

1. Every employee has needs,
2. Fears, and
3. Expectations.

Technology can support employee well-being only if it’s deployed systematically—not just as a tool, but as part of a trust-based culture.

4. 🔁 From Wellness Programs to Strategic Well-being

Well-being isn’t yoga at lunch anymore. It’s now a strategic pillar. The leading HR leaders emphasize:

• Multi-generational relevance

• Automated but human-centered support

• Measurement-driven interventions

• Manager performance tied to team well-being (360°)

Final Thought

The future of HR isn’t just digital. It’s deeply human.
From onboarding to exit interviews, every touchpoint must honor trust, reflect leadership, and convert learning into action. The organizations that win are those that stop fixing symptoms—and start protecting people with systems that work.

Photo Credit: HREX.asia

TAG: DEI Inclusion Transtalents empowerment