There are several ways to build and create transparent communication with clients. Many firms understand that one of the first benefits of managing your brand on Social Media accounts is the good information you receive from clients. Years ago, the trend was to conduct expensive focus groups and surveys to collect valuable data. Now social media is provides both transparency and immediate results. It is also critical that a system is put in place for negative communication as well. That means, if your organization decides to extend the same transparency for employees, the process must be managed. The bottom line is that there are risks and rewards with each that must be carefully managed.

In fact, large companies, like L’Oreal understand that Employee Engagement is critical. (Source: https://econsultancy.com/blog/67091-how-l-oreal-uses-social-media-to-increase-employee-engagement/) As noted by the author “It makes sense, then, that higher employee engagement levels are going to result in workers being more motivated and productive, and also more likely to speak positively about your brand in the outside world. “ The article discusses how the company created hashtags to promote life at and outside of work. The results were positive as the employees became their best spokesperson for recruiting and for brand development. Also, by creating a hashtag and encouraging sharing, social media offered a taste of company culture to the outside world. It was  a win-win for the employee and employer!

Here are our recommendations for managing the process:

1. Create a solid social media policy – include guidelines on how and when to use the company hashtags. Be sure to have a hashtag that combines your brand and community involvement.
2. Create an incentive to use your hashtags – share examples of what to and do not do. Encourage employees to share personal stories they are comfortable with so they can build relationships with their peers. You want to promote behavior that suits your culture.
3. Do not block internet searching – the internet is a great research tool and if you ban the internet morale will be effected. If you do not trust your employees, you have a bigger problem then you realized.
4. Give your Employees A Voice – ultimately, the transparency of the internet requires that action is taken when feedback is provided. That means, managers must watch, learn and take action when necessary.

Contact us if you have questions or need advice on how to implement a strong employee engagement program. We would also love to hear what you think about the opinions shared. We love feedback!