Employee Generated Content the new frontier?
In today’s digital-first world, authenticity is the currency of trust. Consumers are increasingly sceptical of traditional advertising and are drawn to brands that feel genuine, relatable, and human. Enter Employee-Generated Content (EGC)—a powerful tool that boosts your marketing efforts and strengthens your company culture. At Morph PR and Marketing, we believe that your employees are your greatest asset, and harnessing their voices can create a win-win situation for your business and your team.
We’ve been working with the fantastic team at Herstmonceux Castle Estate who have been wonderful at producing content to be shared with their customers whilst the site is closed over the winter. Their genuine love of their work comes across in the photography and their willingness to share their amazing environment with others. They are a delight to work with and a prime example of the power of employee generated content.
In this blog, we’ll explore what Employee-Generated Content is, why it works, and how it can benefit your business. We’ll also dive into the importance of employee satisfaction and share actionable tips on how to take care of your team while leveraging their creativity to drive your brand forward.
What is Employee-Generated Content?
Employee-Generated Content (EGC) refers to any form of content—photos, videos, blog posts, social media updates, or testimonials—created and shared by your employees. Unlike traditional corporate content, EGC is authentic, personal, and often more relatable because it comes directly from the people who know your business best: your team.
Examples of EGC include:
- A behind-the-scenes Instagram story of a day at the office.
- A LinkedIn post from an employee sharing their career growth journey.
- A TikTok video showcasing your company culture.
- A blog post written by an employee about their experience working on a project.
Why Employee-Generated Content Works
- Authenticity Builds Trust
Consumers are 2.4 times more likely to view user-generated content (including EGC) as authentic compared to brand-created content. When your employees share their experiences, it feels genuine and relatable, helping to humanise your brand. - Expands Your Reach
Employees have their own networks, and when they share content about your business, it reaches audiences you might not otherwise connect with. This organic reach can significantly amplify your brand’s visibility. - Boosts Employee Engagement
Encouraging employees to create content fosters a sense of ownership and pride in their work. It also shows that you value their voices, which can lead to higher job satisfaction and retention. - Cost-Effective Marketing
EGC is a cost-effective way to create high-quality content. Instead of spending heavily on professional shoots or ads, you can leverage the creativity and enthusiasm of your team.
How Employee-Generated Content Can Help Your Business
- Showcases Your Company Culture
EGC provides a window into your workplace, helping potential clients and employees see what it’s really like to work with you. This transparency can attract top talent and build trust with customers. - Strengthens Your Employer Brand
In a competitive job market, a strong employer brand is crucial. EGC allows your employees to become brand ambassadors, sharing positive experiences that highlight your company as a great place to work. - Drives Engagement on Social Media
Content created by employees often receives higher engagement rates than corporate posts. It’s more personal, relatable, and likely to spark conversations. - Builds Customer Loyalty
When customers see real people behind a brand, they’re more likely to feel a connection. EGC can help build long-term relationships with your audience by showcasing the human side of your business.
The Importance of Employee Satisfaction
At the heart of successful Employee-Generated Content is a happy, engaged workforce. If your employees feel valued, supported, and motivated, they’ll naturally want to share their positive experiences. Here’s why employee satisfaction matters and how you can take care of your team:
Why Employee Satisfaction Matters
- Happy employees are more productive, creative, and loyal.
- A positive workplace culture reduces turnover and attracts top talent.
- Satisfied employees are more likely to become brand advocates, both online and offline.
Ways to Take Good Care of Your Employees
- Foster a Positive Work Environment
Create a culture of respect, inclusivity, and collaboration. Encourage open communication and celebrate achievements, big and small. - Invest in Professional Development
Offer training, mentorship, and opportunities for growth. When employees feel they’re progressing in their careers, they’re more engaged and motivated. - Recognise and Reward Contributions
Acknowledge your team’s hard work through shout-outs, bonuses, or team outings. Feeling appreciated goes a long way in boosting morale. - Promote Work-Life Balance
Encourage flexible working hours, remote work options, and time off. A healthy work-life balance leads to happier, more productive employees. - Listen to Feedback
Regularly check in with your team to understand their needs and concerns. Act on their feedback to show that their voices matter.
How to Harness Employee-Generated Content for Mutual Benefit
Ready to tap into the power of EGC? Here’s how to get started:
- Create a Safe and Supportive Environment
Encourage employees to share their stories without fear of judgment. Provide guidelines to ensure content aligns with your brand values. - Provide Tools and Training
Offer workshops or resources to help employees create high-quality content. This could include tips on photography, video editing, or writing engaging captions. - Incentivise Participation
Reward employees for their contributions with recognition, prizes, or even a dedicated “Employee Spotlight” feature on your social media channels. - Make It Easy to Share
Provide templates, hashtags, or a central platform where employees can submit their content. The easier it is, the more likely they’ll participate. - Amplify Their Voices
Share employee-generated content on your official channels to show appreciation and maximise its reach. Tag employees and give them credit for their work.
A Win-Win for Your Business and Your Team
Employee-Generated Content is more than just a marketing strategy—it’s a reflection of your company culture and a testament to how much you value your team. By prioritising employee satisfaction and empowering your team to share their stories, you can create authentic, engaging content that benefits everyone.
At Morph PR and Marketing, we’re passionate about helping businesses build strong, authentic brands. If you’re ready to harness the power of Employee-Generated Content or need guidance on creating a workplace culture that inspires your team, get in touch with us today. Let’s work together to elevate your brand and take care of your most valuable asset: your people.
Ready to unlock the potential of Employee-Generated Content for your business?
Contact Morph PR and Marketing to learn how we can help you create a winning strategy!
Photo credits to the fantastic team at Herstmonceux Castle Estate, who were our inspiration for writing this post.