What are the Benefits of Employee Advocacy for Your Business?

Chris Freitas • Sep 26, 2023

Thanks to the widespread use of social media and other outlets, employees can spread the word about their company organically, which makes them a valuable public relations asset for businesses. This phenomenon, known as employee advocacy, is a strategic approach that not only benefits the employees but also has a significant impact on the organization's marketing efforts and brand awareness. If you’re wondering, “What are the benefits of employee advocacy for your business?”, let’s discuss. 

 

What are the benefits of employee advocacy for your business? 

Employee advocacy and employee engagement are closely intertwined. Engaged and empowered employees are more likely to actively participate in advocating their company's brand organically, which is an extremely valuable kind of brand awareness. When employees feel a sense of ownership and benefit from being brand advocates, they become engaged, and their advocacy efforts are driven by genuine interest. Employee advocacy programs foster a culture of engagement and sharing within the organization, which is a win-win scenario for employees and employers alike. 

 

Humanize your brand 

Employees possess considerable marketing potential, often having more followers on social platforms than official brand channels. Leveraging employees to share branded content humanizes the brand, making it more relatable and trustworthy. When content is shared through employees' personal channels, it generates wider reach, enhances brand awareness, and creates a personal touch, thereby resonating better with the audience. 

Content shared by employees has proven to receive significantly more engagement than content shared through official brand channels. The collective power of employees amplifying content contributes to an increased social presence without the need for additional advertising expenditures. Modern marketing strategies benefit greatly from this 'always-on' content approach, extending the brand's reach beyond traditional marketing channels. 

 

Positioning employees as thought leaders 

Effective communication and transparent discussion of advocacy goals with employees are essential. When employees understand the value proposition in advocacy for them, they are more likely to passionately represent the brand. Companies can position their employee brand advocates as thought leaders and industry experts by investing in their personal and professional growth, fostering a sense of trust and credibility among the advocates. 

You can foster employees’ journey to becoming thought leaders in your industry by providing education and insight into the industry they might not discover on their own. By providing employees with relevant and engaging content to share on their social networks, companies can foster thought leadership within their industry. Employees sharing insightful content demonstrate expertise and industry knowledge, attracting qualified referrals and leads to the business. This collaborative approach through employee advocacy ultimately benefits the brand's perception and positioning. 

Enhanced brand visibility, recognition, and loyalty 

Building trust is crucial in the modern business landscape, and people tend to trust recommendations from family, friends, and peers. Leveraging employee advocacy amplifies the always-on content that, in turn, boosts brand awareness. Studies have shown that organizations with employee advocacy programs experience increased brand visibility, improved brand recognition, and enhanced brand loyalty. 

 

Provide the right incentive for employee advocacy 

Employee advocacy is a two-way road – your employees should understand that if they support the company, their efforts will be rewarded. The most effective method of supporting employees and turning them into genuine advocates for your company is to provide comprehensive employee benefits that address employees’ essential needs, such as healthcare. 

By fostering a culture of engagement, collaboration, and trust, businesses can harness the potential of employee advocacy to elevate their brand in the digital realm. For more insights and tailored employee benefits plans that support your workforce, speak with a KBI Benefits agent today and discover how you could save up to 30-40% on your current employee benefits plan. 


Share by: