What the heck is Employee-Generated Content (EGC)?

Employee-Generated Content refers to any content created and shared by a company’s employees rather than the official corporate communication channels. This content can take various forms, including:

• Employees sharing their work experiences, achievements, or insights on platforms like LinkedIn, TikTok & Instagram mostly and typically via videos that show behind-the-scenes footage, day-in-the-life vlogs, or testimonials that provide a personal glimpse into the company.
• Articles or opinion pieces written by employees, offering unique perspectives on industry topics or company culture.

The key to EGC is that it is authentic, unfiltered, and personal. It gives employees the freedom to express themselves and share their experiences, which often resonates more with audiences than polished corporate messaging.

Why is EGC Important?

Builds Authenticity and Trust

Consumers today are increasingly skeptical of traditional advertising. EGC offers a genuine voice, helping to humanize the brand and build trust with both customers and potential employees.

Enhances Employee Engagement

Encouraging employees to create and share content fosters a sense of ownership and pride in their work. It also strengthens their connection to the company, leading to higher engagement and job satisfaction.

Amplifies Reach and Visibility

When employees share content, they extend the company’s reach. Employees are more inclined to share company resources if they help create them. This organic sharing can significantly amplify brand visibility and help attract new audiences.

Drives Employer Branding

EGC is a powerful tool for showcasing company culture. Potential hires often look to social media and other channels to gauge what it’s like to work at a company. EGC offers an authentic glimpse into daily life at the organization, which can be a deciding factor for job seekers.

Encourages Creativity and Innovation

Allowing employees to create content taps into their creativity and diverse perspectives. This can lead to innovative ideas and fresh takes that might not emerge through traditional marketing channels.

How to Encourage EGC in Your Organisation

While EGC can be incredibly beneficial, it’s important to approach it thoughtfully. Here are some tips for fostering a culture of content creation among your employees:

Empower & Educate

Provide employees with the tools, resources, and training they need to create high-quality content. This could include workshops on social media best practices, access to design tools, or tips on effective storytelling.

Set Clear Guidelines & Expectations

While it’s important to allow freedom, providing clear guidelines helps ensure that the content aligns with the company’s values and messaging. This might include best practices for representing the brand, respecting confidentiality, and adhering to legal requirements.

Lead by Example

Leadership should set the tone by actively participating in content creation. When employees see leaders sharing their experiences, they’re more likely to follow suit.

Employee-Generated Content is more than just a trend—it’s a powerful strategy that can transform how a company communicates and engages with its audience. By tapping into the authentic voices of your employees, you can build trust, enhance your brand, and create a more engaged and motivated workforce.

In a world where authenticity is key, EGC offers a way to connect with audiences on a deeper level, turning employees into brand ambassadors and storytellers.

Ready to embrace this dynamic approach and unlock the potential of your organisation’s most valuable asset? AKA your people? Let’s get a personalised strategy behind you to set you up for success.

About the Author of this blog:

Maddie Riehl

Founder and Director of Hey Marketing. Maddie has a passion for all things digital marketing.

She began her career in marketing in 2013. From there she completed a Cert IV in marketing and further developed her skills and knowledge base.

After seeing some flaws in other agency offerings, Maddie wanted to create a marketing agency where things are done a little differently - and so Hey Marketing was born!