Cut through the noise and authentically become an employer of choice, elevating your employer brand.
Standing out as an employer of choice is no longer optional, it’s essential. Your employer brand is the key to attracting and retaining today’s top talent, giving you the edge over competitors and ensuring your organisation is a sought-after place to work.
We’ll highlight the fundamentals of employer branding, as well as provide key tips on leveraging psychological principles to truly differentiate your offering.
What is employer branding?
Employer branding is the process of defining and promoting what makes your organisation a positive, beneficial place to work and, therefore, an employer of choice.
Your employer brand is all about creating a narrative that showcases your values, culture, and mission. But, most importantly, it’s about living up to those promises in everything you do.
So, if you’re struggling to make your organisation stand out, the answer lies in more than just your words. Your organisation’s actions will always speak louder.
But, for these actions to truly have an impact, they must align with what you’re claiming to deliver.
The psychology of virtue signalling
Too often, brands fall into the trap of virtue signalling. This is defined as making bold claims about their values, without backing them up with meaningful action.
Doing this can severely damage your employer brand in the long run - negatively influencing how people perceive your organisation and reducing your credibility.
To truly elevate your employer brand, it’s key to live up to your values - and showcase your commitment to socially responsible initiatives.
From increased workplace flexibility to DEI, employee demands are higher than ever and you must adapt to avoid falling behind the competition. After all, it’s who cares wins these days, and being authentically values-driven is a pivotal way to enhance employer branding.
Virtue signalling in action
Your brand is no different from an individual. If you want to know who someone is, don’t just listen to what they say - watch their behaviour and what they do.
The same principle applies to businesses.
A company can claim to be ethical, sustainable, or focused on employee well-being, but those claims mean nothing without action.
Here are some key questions to ask yourself, to ensure your actions match your words - safeguarding your employer brand in the process.
- How does your organisation treat its employees?
- What tangible benefits do you provide?
- What is your company’s mission and purpose, and how is this apparent in the day-to-day workings of your company culture?
Prioritise your employer branding
In a world where talent is a company’s greatest asset, understanding and harnessing the psychology of stand-out employer branding couldn’t be more important.
By becoming an employer of choice and truly living your values, you’ll be in a much better position to attract and retain the best people for your business. Whether you’re a global corporation or a small start-up, the key principles of authenticity, purpose and action still stand.
Does your organisation’s actions reflect its words? If not, it’s time to make a change.
