The Learning Experience launches Happy Hub to boost employee engagement and retention

The Learning Experience, an early childhood education provider in the USA, has implemented Blink’s employee engagement platform across its 350 locations. This move is part of a broader strategy to improve communication, engagement, and retention among its 10,000 employees, most of whom work in franchise-operated centres.

The Learning Experience, which continues to expand, required a solution to improve communication across all its locations. Traditional methods were not effective, as many staff members are teachers who do not use email during the day. In response, the organisation launched "Operation Blue Elephant," a strategic initiative that leverages Blink’s platform to unify communication for its employees.

The Blink platform, referred to as the "Happy Hub" within The Learning Experience, provides a centralised communication tool. This platform allows employees to access essential information and tools and offers a channel for feedback, enhancing overall engagement and connectivity.

“Blink has been a game-changer on how we communicate and engage with our employees,” said Traci Wilk, Chief People Officer at The Learning Experience. “By providing a unified platform, we’ve ensured that every team member, from corporate staff to frontline franchise employees, feels connected and valued. This initiative is not just about improving communication—it’s about building a culture where every employee thrives.”

The Happy Hub introduced several key features aimed at enhancing the overall experience for employees at The Learning Experience. One of these features is the comprehensive benefits programme known as "TLE Cares." This initiative offers a tailored benefits package that franchisees can provide to their employees, ensuring that all staff members have access to essential support.

Additionally, the platform includes a reimagined teacher onboarding programme. This programme equips new teachers with the necessary tools and resources from their very first day, helping them to quickly adapt and succeed in their roles.

Another important aspect of the Happy Hub is the implementation of a Happiness Index. The organisation has started running engagement surveys for both parents and employees. These surveys provide valuable insights that help the organisation and franchisees assess their performance. By understanding how Happiness Index scores correlate with employee engagement, retention, and family enrollment, The Learning Experience can make informed decisions to improve their overall operation.

Since the Happy Hub's launch, the organisation has seen improvements in employee retention rates. The new onboarding process has contributed to this success by increasing new hires' confidence and readiness to manage classrooms effectively. Additionally, the platform has been well-received, with 99% of franchisees actively participating, indicating its effectiveness in enhancing staff engagement.

Sean Nolan, CEO and co-founder of Blink, commented, “The success of The Learning Experience’s Happy Hub showcases the impact of effective frontline connection. In today's market, fostering a strong organisational culture and ensuring employees feel supported is crucial for retention and growth. Other organisations can look to The Learning Experience as a model on how to leverage technology to achieve these goals.”