You don’t need to be flashy to turn your company into a talent magnet. You do need to know your purpose and be real. Here are eight ways to amplify your employer brand.
1. Know your purpose—then say it loud and proud
Get crystal clear about what makes your company special. If you stand for something (and you should), let the world know. Make sure your purpose is conveyed in job postings, internal and external social media and news releases. It’s not bragging—it’s about what makes your brand unique.
2. Nail the welcome
A WOW-filled first day (and regular “thanks for being here”) matters. Make onboarding easy. Ease the first-day jitters. Send them advance “here's how we do things” messages so they know where to park and what’s on the calendar. Be sure the new person has a lunch invitation and let them know ahead of time. Have their business cards ready on day one. Little moments loom large.
3. Make work worth showing up for
People spend a huge amount of their lives at work. They sometimes sacrifice time with family or hobbies to get the job done. Build a workplace environment that’s supportive, rewarding and fun. Expect teammates to give great customer service to each other. Celebrate successes. Think less “corporate policy” and more “partnership.”
4. Invest in people, not just positions
Give your team chances to grow, learn and try new things. Promotions, mentorships, leadership programs, affinity groups and the chance to learn new skills are very important. They set a tone of continuous improvement for the whole person, not just the position. Be perceptive. Listen. Establish ways to keep people moving forward and help them feel you’re invested in them.
5. Tell it like it is
Be up front. Share what’s happening behind the scenes. Whether times are terrific or they’re tough, say so. Then present the opportunity for employees to offer their ideas for solutions. Trust them to give their honest opinions—even if they might sting. You may not act on all their ideas, but acknowledge and validate what they say so they feel heard. Authenticity builds trust over the long term.
6. Think beyond the benefits
Everyone says they are a “great place to work” and have “great benefits.” To compete for top talent, you must go further. Think about flexibility, real work-life balance, mental wellness and thoughtful perks. Develop innovative sign-on bonuses, help with student debt or other nontraditional offerings. Can you allow employees to be digital nomads even for a few weeks? Don’t assume it’s all about money, 40 percent of Gen Z and Millennials would gladly trade a bit of salary for flexibility in where they work. Show you care about the whole person, not just their output.
7. Be good citizens
Support causes that fit your values and get involved locally. Many employees welcome the opportunity to volunteer or contribute to a cause on company time. So besides sponsorships or monetary gifts, make it possible for employees to be locally or civically engaged by joining boards or doing hands-on volunteer work (more than once a year.) A company that gives back stands out in a sea of “all about us.”
8. Don’t be threatened by side hustles
Nearly half of Millennials and Gen Z are juggling something extra on the side. For most, it’s not about quitting their day jon. It’s about growth, extra income and a little more life flexibility. The ones who take on extra projects are often the ones hungry to learn, build and grow. And when employees flex outside the office, they bring fresh ideas, experience and connections back to your team.
For more ways to build innovation and creativity for your brand read our article How honeybees and jackalopes can spur innovation. We’re a marketing firm helping clients bring innovation and strategy. Want to know more? Call Martha direct at 785.969.6203 or
Photo credit from Unsplash: Planet Volumes.
