7 Ways to Skyrocket Your Reputation as an Employer
One established organization came to us with a unique problem – restore and build our reputation as an employer. What’s the solution to restore a company’s reputation after fixing the problems at hand – PR or anything else?
A bit of context here – their reputation took a hit after multiple rounds of layoffs, bad reviews on Glassdoor by disgruntled employees, a handful of legal/compliance irregularities and workplace harassment complaints. A solid reputation that took decades to build was tarnished in a few weeks.
The answer does not lie in PE alone. In this article, we look at 7 ways to skyrocket your reputation as an employer objectively and in a way that appeals to everyone.
Table of Contents
#1 Support Volunteering
Work often gets in the way of employees who are willing to volunteer. Asking them to take time off on weekends or family time may not be conducive. If you genuinely promote volunteering, carve out one a day a quarter or a periodicity that works to encourage employees to volunteer for a cause you / they or both of you collectively believe in. It can be climate, diversity, mitigating pollution, social upliftment, education for underprivileged, elderly care.
There’s a lot to learn from the concept of the ‘Time Bank’ was introduced by the Swiss Ministry of Health as a program to support the elderly. It allows individuals to volunteer their time and provide assistance to seniors in need. In return for their services, the hours spent with or caring for the elderly are recorded and credited to their personal social security account.
It’s a win-win! Not only will it boost your company’s rep as a socially responsible employer, but it’ll also give your employees a great sense of pride and purpose. So go ahead, encourage them to lend their time and expertise to make a positive impact in the community!
Do you know how talent perceivees your brand? Audit it now.
#2 Create an Employee-led Podcast
Most podcasts today are started by individuals to boost their personal brand or individual business/agency owners to promote their services. Very few are employee-led podcasts that give an insider’s view of how it is work in an organization. The transparency, authenticity, and objectivity that comes from employees is unparalleled when the same is driven by the employer when building the employer brand.
Create a podcast or video series that is led by your employees, where they can talk about their experiences working for your company and share their insights and perspectives. This will help to humanize your employer brand and make your company more relatable to potential candidates.
#3 Flexible Work Arrangement
How you respond to an employee’s personal / medical emergency sets a precedent for how considerate you are as an employer. Glassdoor reviews of many organizations give an insight into what ticks off people – being inflexible or not giving time off to employees grieving is an often repeated one.
Policies such as remote work or flexible hours to improve your reputation as an employer that values work-life balance and care about the well-being of its employees are generic. Encourage employees to share their stories if they have genuinely experienced an empathetic moment from you as an employer.
- Provide access to wellness resources such as meditation apps or gym memberships
- Encourage employees to take breaks during the workday and avoid overworking
- Create a policy for a work-from-home day once a week or month
#4 Host a Company-Wide Challenge
Host a company-wide challenge that encourages employees to work together towards a common goal, such as a sustainability challenge or a fitness challenge. This will help to improve your reputation as a company that values collaboration, teamwork, and employee wellness.
#5 Encourage Innovation
Host a hackathon or innovation day where employees can work on their own projects and showcase their skills. This will help to improve your reputation as an innovative employer and attract talent who want to work for a company that fosters creativity.
#6 Promote Learning & Development
- Offer employees a stipend for pursuing professional certificate courses
- Host lunch-and-learn sessions where employees can share their knowledge
- Create a mentorship program where employees can learn from senior leaders
- Invest in an e-learning platform for employees to upskill themselves
- Offer cross-functional training opportunities to help employees learn about other areas of the business
#7 Any Unique Benefits or Perks
- Provide employees with a pet-friendly office
- Offer unlimited vacation time
- Provide free meals or snacks
- Create a game room or relaxation area
- Offer sabbaticals or extended time off after a certain number of years
Conclusion
In conclusion, PR to boost an employer reputation may be short lived. But for a long lasting reputation, it requires a constant burst of activity from employees who act as genuine brand ambassadors to talk about the realities of their working life and what has worked, how the organization has been with them in their career and personal journey.
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FAQs
How does your company prioritize transparency and communication with employees, and what channels are available for employees to share feedback and ask questions?
Our company prioritizes transparency and communication by implementing an open-door policy, regular team meetings, town halls, an anonymous suggestion box, and accessible email and instant messaging channels for employees to share feedback and ask questions.
What is your company's stance on social responsibility, and what initiatives has the company undertaken to give back to the community?
At our company, social responsibility is a top priority. We have implemented various initiatives to give back to the community, such as volunteering programs, partnerships with local charities, and regular donation drives to support causes that align with our values.
How does your company celebrate employee successes and milestones, and what recognition programs are in place to show appreciation for employees?
We love celebrating our employees' successes and milestones! Our company has recognition programs in place to show our appreciation, such as employee of the month awards, shout-outs in team meetings, personalized notes from managers, and annual employee recognition events to honor significant achievements and contributions.
How does your company promote work-life balance and employee wellness, and what resources are available to support this?
At our company, we strongly promote work-life balance and prioritize employee wellness. We offer flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options and flexible schedules, to accommodate personal needs. Additionally, we provide wellness resources like access to fitness facilities, mental health support programs, and regular educational sessions on stress management and work-life balance.
What benefits does your company offer to its employees, and how do these benefits contribute to a positive work environment?
Our company offers a range of benefits including competitive compensation, health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. These benefits contribute to a positive work environment by supporting employee well-being, job satisfaction, and work-life balance.
How does your company invest in employee training and development, and what opportunities are available for career growth?
We prioritize employee training and development by offering various opportunities for growth. Our company provides regular training programs, workshops, and access to online learning platforms. We also encourage career advancement through mentorship programs, job rotations, and promotion opportunities based on performance and skill development.
What is your company's policy on employee feedback and how does the company use this feedback to improve its culture and processes?
To gather employee feedback, we utilize anonymous surveys, hold town hall meetings, establish feedback committees, and provide digital platforms for continuous feedback. This feedback is used to identify areas for improvement, develop action plans, and make necessary changes to enhance our company culture, communication, and overall employee experience. We also recognize and reward employees for their valuable feedback, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and engagement.
What is the management style at your company and how does it contribute to a positive work environment?
In our management style, we prioritize regular one-on-one meetings between managers and employees for open dialogue, goal setting, and performance feedback.
What is the hiring process like at your company and what qualities do you look for in candidates?
Our hiring process involves 4 stages, including resume screening, interviews (both technical and behavioral), and assessments to evaluate candidates' skills and fit for the role. We look for qualities such as relevant experience, strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and a cultural fit with our company values.
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