I got Leads variables working via the workaround here.
Iām seeing the problem as well. I am on v 7.11.26.
The email templates show the lead variable. But will not fill in the employee variables.
Hi $lead_first_name - this inserts with the lead name.
This closing does not update with any information.
$employee_first_name $employee_last_name
$employee_phone_work
$employee_email1
I face the same problem and it drives me crazy.
I want to display the current user in the closing, not that one who is responsible for the contact.
with employee-Variables it is definitely not working.
Check out this function which is translating the variables. you can insert your own mapping but this is not Upgrade Safe, but a fix and workaround.