Exploring a multidimensional construct of employee experience and outcomes

Purpose Our research serves a dual imperative: first, to decode the complex architecture of employee experience by developing a holistic model that seamlessly integrates cultural, relational, and institutional elements; second, to deliver concrete, implementable strategies for employee experience (EX) enhancement through rigorous examination of five distinct EX profiles and their impact on critical outcomes—ultimately creating a roadmap for simultaneously advancing individual fulfillment and organizational excellence. Design/methodology/approach This study pioneers a comprehensive framework for EX, integrating cultural, relational, and institutional dimensions. Anchored in Social Exchange Theory and Self-Determination Theory, our innovative application of Latent Profile Analysis reveals distinct EX profiles and their cascading effects on employee outcomes. This approach illuminates the complex interplay between organizational practices and employee perceptions, offering unprecedented depth to our understanding of workplace dynamics. Findings Our analysis demonstrates that EX profiles dramatically influence key workplace metrics, with statistically significant variations in job satisfaction, organizational commitment, burnout, turnover intention, and quiet quitting. The Balanced Experience Profile—characterized by fulfilled psychological needs and positive social exchanges—emerges as the clear driver of optimal outcomes, yielding peak levels of job satisfaction and organizational commitment while minimizing burnout and turnover intention. In stark contrast, the Unfulfilling Experience Profile—marked by unmet needs and negative exchanges—consistently predicts adverse organizational outcomes. Originality/value This research transforms our conceptualization of employee experience by mapping the intricate connections between organizational practices and tangible outcomes. Our methodological innovation through Latent Profile Analysis provides robust empirical validation for distinct EX profiles and their differential impacts across critical performance indicators. These insights establish definitively that creating supportive, fulfilling work environments is not merely beneficial but essential for sustainable employee well-being and organizational prosperity.