Employer Branding: Why you Need to Know About it Now 👀

Welcome to the matrix (not quite..but stay with us) and one of the most important aspects of running a business – employer branding – where marketing and human resources merge.

What is Employer Branding and Why You Need to Know About It Now

Let’s lay it down straight to get us started: employer branding refers to the process of promoting a company's reputation and image as an employer in order to attract, engage, and retain talented individuals.

Further, it encompasses various strategies and initiatives aimed at shaping how current and potential employees perceive the organisation as a place to work (hello, morale), and goes beyond traditional human resources functions to incorporates elements of marketing, corporate culture, and employee experience.

In a nutshell, it’s what we harp on about time and time again – keeping your team happy, productive and engaged. As we know, this in turn also encourages consumer behaviour, knowing that your product and service is doing good beyond closed doors.

So, how do you improve and maintain positive employer branding? Keep on readin’ for a few reasons why understanding and implementing employer branding strategies are important:

1. Attracting Top Talent: In today's competitive job market, attracting skilled and qualified candidates is crucial for business success – it’s a zoo out there! A strong employer brand can differentiate your organisation from competitors and make it more appealing to potential employees. Think: extra curricular events, role benefits, employee engagement programs and the likes. 

2. Enhanced Corporate Reputation: A positive employer brand not only attracts potential employees but also enhances the overall reputation of the company. Plus, if they're happy at work they're going to talk about it – further, putting your brand on loud. Increase brand rep while increasing employees morale with branded merch such as meeting planners, jumpers, hats or provide work-life essentials they can take anywhere and everywhere such as reusable coffee cups and water bottles.

3. Cost Savings: High turnover rates can be expensive due to recruitment, training, and onboarding costs. So, save those pennies and put them towards investing in the team you already have! Celebrate work anniversaries with gift packs, or solidify a new members importance on the team with an official welcome merch pack - you can design your own here. 

4. Increased Productivity and Performance: Happier employees = higher productivity. Yep, employees who feel valued, supported, and engaged are likely to perform better. A strong employer brand fosters a positive work environment and encourages employees to give their best effort, increasing overall morale and satisfaction. How can you support them, for them to support the business? Think beyond the office doors and how you can foster health and happiness in their personal lives and work-life balance. Encourage more time at the gym or healthier lunch meals and host monthly lunch and learns. Otherwise, explore these wellness and lifestyle ideas. 

5. Retention of Talent: Once you've hired talented individuals, retaining them is equally important. A positive employer brand can contribute to higher levels of employee satisfaction, engagement, and loyalty, reducing turnover rates and associated costs. So, how can you top up team morale so people stay for longer? Think team unity, goal incentives and bonuses. Yet, these incentives don’t have to break the bank and can be as easy as fresh branded shirts, or surprise merch gifts like branded water bottles, laptop cases and phone chargers. Even, new cups for the office kitchen can be a winner!

6. Alignment with Organisational Goals: Effective employer branding ensures that the values, mission, and culture of the organisation are communicated internally and externally. This alignment helps attract candidates who share the company's values and are more likely to contribute positively to its goals, while reinforces the message to current employees. Make sure you practice what you preach and lead the way, while providing the tools to your team they need to help align with said goals. ie. health and wellbeing, safety at work, team unity etc. 

7. Adaptation to Changing Workforce Dynamics: With changes in demographics, preferences, and expectations of the workforce, businesses need to evolve their employer branding strategies to remain relevant and attractive to current and future employees. A great way to ensure you’re on the right track is asking for anonymous feedback via surveys and letting your team tell you what they need to feel and see to make their work life happier within the company. 

Conclusion

Overall, employer branding is essential for attracting, retaining, and engaging top talent, fostering a positive work environment, and ultimately contributing to the success and growth of the organisation. By incorporating a few key strategies and easy-as ideas, you'll be on your way to healthier, happier and long-term team!