cm2.x is really Avaya's introduction into variables. it seems to be somewhat limited. cm3.x things start to get more interesting because of the "set" command. but since you only have cm2.x, try using the "digits" buffer instead of variables.
as for reporting the prompted employee number, i'm not sure, but you could probably do this with the digits buffer as well. By just prompting for the employee number ("collect" step) the digits are stored in the digits buffer, and a digits message is simultaneously sent off across your CMS link (if you have one) to store in your database.
The contents of the digits buffer can also be sent off to an IVR using a "converse-on" step. Or, using the MAPD, the digits buffer should also be attached to the messaging protocol when an "adjunct routing" step is executed.
sorry, not strong with database stuff, but i'm pretty sure about the collect step storing the digits and sending the digits info.
hopefully this helps.