Engaging Employees in Advocacy: Motivation and Incentives.

Alright, let's talk about getting your team on board with employee advocacy. Think of it as a backstage pass to your company's rock concert, where your employees are the lead singers and social media is their stage. But how do you get them to step up to the mic and sing your brand's praises? It's all about motivation and incentives.

First Up, Motivation

Feel-Good Factor

Let's face it, we all love feeling valued. When your team believes in what they're doing, they'll naturally want to talk about it. Employee advocacy works best when it comes from genuine pride and enthusiasm for the workplace.

Here some ideas for you:

• Create a 'Story of the Week' feature where employees share positive experiences related to their work.
• Implement a 'spotlight' feature in your internal communication channels where you highlight employees' posts and their impact.
• Organize team-building activities where employees can share stories about their work life.
• Regularly share stories of how employee advocacy has positively impacted the business.

Personal Branding Perks

Many employees will jump at the chance to build their professional brand. Sharing insightful content not only boosts your company’s profile but also positions them as industry thought leaders. It's a win-win!

Here some ideas for you:

• Organize workshops on personal branding and how effective use of social media can enhance their professional image. Offer profile optimization tips for platforms like LinkedIn.
• Invite influencers or industry experts to talk about the importance of personal branding.
• Offer one-on-one sessions to review and enhance their professional social media profiles, emphasizing the impact of a strong personal brand.
• Offer workshops on personal branding, digital literacy, and content creation to enhance employees' skills.
• Allow employees to contribute to the company blog or social media channels.
• Create a monthly webinar series where employees can learn from external experts about personal branding and industry trends.

Training and Tools

Make it easy peasy. Provide training sessions and easy-to-use tools. When sharing content is as simple as clicking a button, you'll see more hands go up.

Here some ideas for you:

• Host regular 'Lunch and Learn' sessions focusing on easy content sharing techniques.
• Regularly demonstrate new tools or platforms for content sharing.
• Implement systems where employees can easily provide feedback on the tools and training provided.
• Invest in user-friendly software that makes sharing content straightforward and hassle-free.
• Conduct training sessions to familiarize employees with the tools and best practices for sharing content effectively.

Now, Let's Talk Incentives

Recognition

Everyone likes a pat on the back. Public shout-outs, leaderboards, or a simple 'thank you' email can go a long way. Acknowledging their efforts shows you're paying attention.

Here some ideas for you:

• Implement a 'Spotlight' program in your internal newsletter or on your intranet, highlighting the best employee posts each month. Include quotes from team leaders praising these effort
• Consider having an annual award ceremony to recognize the top advocates in your organization.
• Use internal communication channels for real-time recognition of employee advocacy efforts.
• Introduce a gamification system with badges and levels to acknowledge active participants in a fun and engaging way.

Rewards

Some companies use small perks like movie tickets, gift cards, or extra vacation days. But remember, it's not all about tangible rewards. The best incentives often relate to personal growth and opportunities.

Here some ideas for you:

• Set up a points system where employees earn points for their advocacy efforts. These points could be redeemed for rewards like exclusive company merchandise, a day off, or a special lunch with the CEO (let them choose)
• Rewards can also be experiences, like a dinner with a company executive, a day of shadowing a senior leader, or a behind-the-scenes tour of a new company project.
• Allow employees to choose their rewards from a catalog of options, catering to diverse interests and preferences.
• Offer tangible rewards like gift cards or vouchers for achieving certain milestones in advocacy.
• Reward top advocates with an extra day off or a longer lunch break as a token of appreciation.

Career Growth

Engaging in advocacy can open doors. Employees can expand their network, learn new skills, and may even catch the eye of higher-ups. It's about more than just likes and shares; it's about growth and opportunities.

Here some ideas for you:

• Offer opportunities for employees who actively participate in advocacy programs to attend industry conferences or online courses, enhancing their skills and knowledge.
• Link advocacy efforts with opportunities for mentorship from senior management.
• Offer paths for professional development tied to advocacy milestones, such as access to advanced training programs after reaching certain advocacy levels.
• Set up a 'Lunch and Learn' series where advocates can present on topics of their interest, enhancing their visibility and leadership skills.

A Few Points to Keep in Mind

• Don’t force it: Mandatory fun isn't fun. Advocacy should be optional and come naturally.
• Content quality: Offer interesting and engaging content. If it's something they're proud to share, you won't have to ask twice.
• Feedback is key: Keep your ears open. Regular feedback sessions can help you fine-tune the program to better suit your team’s interests and needs.

So there you have it. Employee advocacy isn't just about amplifying your brand's message; it's about empowering and motivating your team to be the voice of your company. When done right, it's a chorus of authentic, enthusiastic voices that resonate far and wide.