How to Get Better Employee Testimonials

Employee testimonials are powerful tools for attracting top talent and showcasing the positive aspects of your workplace culture. However, obtaining genuine and compelling testimonials requires a thoughtful approach. In this guide, we’ll explore effective strategies to get better employee testimonials that not only reflect your company in a positive light, but also resonate with potential candidates.

How to Get Better Employee Testimonials

One of the important things to remember about getting better employee testimonials is that great testimonials start with a great workplace. It’s difficult to get positive employee testimonials if employees aren’t happy. It’s also difficult to get honest and genuine testimonials if employees don’t feel that it’s safe to be honest. If you encounter lackluster testimonials, first take a hard look at your workplace and what is expected of employees. If you’re confident in your workplace, try using these methods to get better employee testimonials.

1. Create a Positive Work Environment

A key factor in receiving authentic and positive testimonials is to foster a workplace culture that employees genuinely appreciate. Employees are more likely to share positive experiences when they feel valued, supported, and engaged. Encourage open communication, recognize achievements, and provide opportunities for professional growth. A positive work environment sets the stage for enthusiastic testimonials.

2. Build Trust and Transparency

Trust is the foundation of any meaningful testimonial. Establishing an atmosphere of transparency and openness encourages employees to share their experiences without hesitation. Regularly communicate company updates, goals, and challenges, and involve employees in decision-making processes. The more transparent you are, the more likely employees will feel comfortable sharing their thoughts in testimonials.

3. Timing is Key

Timing is a key factor to get better employee testimonials. Choose the right moments to request testimonials. Ideally, approach employees after a successful project, achievement, or positive event within the company. Employees are more likely to provide positive testimonials when they are in a positive frame of mind and have recent positive experiences to share.

4. Use Varied Platforms

Diversify the platforms on which you collect testimonials. While written testimonials on the company website are valuable, consider incorporating video testimonials, social media posts, or quotes for marketing materials. Different formats appeal to different audiences, and varied platforms allow you to reach a broader audience while showcasing the diverse experiences of your team.

5. Make Testimonials Easy

If employees can easily submit testimonials on their own time, they’ll be more likely to provide better feedback. You might provide an open-door policy about testimonials, allowing employees to provide testimonials when they have time. Or, you might create a testimonial collection landing page where employees can provide their own video testimonials at any time.

Featured Resource: Testimonial Request Email Templates

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6. Provide Clear Guidelines

When seeking testimonials from employees, clarity is paramount. Offering clear guidelines ensures that your team members understand the purpose of the testimonials and what aspects of their experiences to focus on. Ambiguity can lead to vague or generic responses that may not effectively showcase the unique qualities of your workplace.

To facilitate the testimonial-creation process, provide specific prompts or questions that guide employees in sharing meaningful insights. Ask them to delve into particular projects, challenges, or moments of success that stood out during their tenure. Additionally, offer suggestions on the tone and length of the testimonials to maintain consistency. Clear guidelines not only make it easier for employees to articulate their thoughts, but also help align their testimonials with the messaging you want to convey to potential candidates. By providing a structured framework, you empower employees to share authentic and relevant stories that highlight the strengths and positive aspects of your company culture.

Sample Guidelines:

Specificity: Encourage employees to be specific in their testimonials. Ask them to provide details about particular projects, collaborations, or experiences that had a significant impact on their professional journey.
Tone: Specify the desired tone of the testimonials to maintain consistency. Whether it’s a formal, professional tone or a more casual and conversational style, guiding employees on the appropriate tone ensures a cohesive collection of testimonials.
Length: Communicate the preferred length of the testimonials. Whether concise or more detailed, setting expectations regarding the length helps employees structure their responses appropriately.
Focus Areas: Direct employees to focus on key areas such as company culture, career development, teamwork, or leadership impact. This ensures that testimonials collectively cover a range of aspects, providing a comprehensive view for potential candidates.
Personal Touch: Encourage employees to infuse a personal touch into their testimonials. Whether it’s sharing anecdotes, lessons learned, or expressing gratitude, a personal touch adds authenticity and relatability to their stories.

By offering clear guidelines, you can help your team contribute testimonials that not only reflect their genuine experiences but also align with the overarching narrative you aim to convey about your workplace.

7. Showcase Diversity of Experiences

Highlight the diverse experiences of your employees to appeal to a wide range of candidates. Feature testimonials from employees at different levels, departments, and roles. This approach provides a holistic view of your company culture and demonstrates that your workplace is inclusive and supportive of various career paths.

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8. Recognize and Reward Contributors

Acknowledging the valuable contributions of employees who take the time to share their testimonials is a pivotal aspect of fostering a culture of appreciation within your organization. Publicly recognizing these contributors not only expresses gratitude for their willingness to contribute, but also sets a positive precedent for others. Consider creating a dedicated space on your company’s website or internal communication platforms to showcase employee testimonials, accompanied by the contributors’ names and perhaps a brief profile or photo. However, if employees choose to opt out of this recognition and would prefer to quietly submit their testimonials, this should also be an option.

In addition to public acknowledgment, introducing a rewards system adds a tangible element of appreciation. This could include small incentives, personalized thank-you notes, or even opportunities for professional development. By associating recognition with the act of providing testimonials, you establish a positive feedback loop that encourages more employees to share their experiences. This not only enhances the sense of community within the workplace, but also strengthens the authenticity and impact of the testimonials, as contributors feel genuinely valued for their role in showcasing the company’s strengths. Recognizing and rewarding contributors creates a culture where employees are motivated to share their positive experiences, contributing to a compelling narrative for potential candidates considering your organization.

Sample Recognition and Rewards:

Employee Spotlights: Feature employees who provide testimonials in regular spotlights, either on the company website, internal newsletters, or during team meetings. Share a bit about their professional journey, accomplishments, and what makes their experience unique.
Incentive Programs: Establish incentive programs that reward contributors with tangible benefits. This could include gift cards, additional time off, or access to exclusive company events.
Professional Development Opportunities: Offer contributors opportunities for professional development, such as workshops, courses, or conferences. This not only recognizes their contribution but also invests in their ongoing growth.
Personalized Thank-You Notes: Send personalized thank-you notes expressing gratitude for their testimonials. Include specific details about what aspects of their experiences were particularly appreciated, reinforcing the positive impact of their contributions.
Team Celebrations: Organize team celebrations or lunches to recognize contributors collectively. Creating a positive and celebratory atmosphere reinforces the value placed on their willingness to share their insights.

By implementing a comprehensive recognition and rewards strategy, you not only express appreciation for your employees’ efforts but also cultivate a culture where employees feel motivated to actively contribute to the narrative of your company’s workplace experience.

9. Use Thoughtful Prompts

Clear and thoughtfully-crafted prompts are an important part of getting better employee testimonials. Employees, despite their positive experiences, may sometimes struggle to express their thoughts cohesively, or may not know where to begin. Well-defined prompts not only guide employees through the testimonial-writing process but also ensure that the testimonials address key aspects that resonate with potential candidates.

For instance, asking employees to reflect on specific projects, collaborations, or personal growth experiences can elicit testimonials that provide a deeper understanding of the company’s culture and opportunities. By incorporating prompts, employers can shape the narrative, encouraging employees to share insights that are not only positive but also align with the values and attributes that make the company an exceptional workplace.

Sample Prompts:

Reflect on a Project: Describe a project or task you worked on that you found particularly rewarding. How did it contribute to your professional growth, and what aspects of the company culture supported your success?
Career Development: Share your journey of professional development within the company. How have you been supported in achieving your career goals, and what opportunities for growth have you encountered?
Team Collaboration: Highlight a memorable collaboration with your team. How did effective teamwork contribute to the success of the project, and what aspects of the team dynamic do you value?
Company Culture: Reflect on the company’s culture. What specific elements of the culture make it a positive and inclusive workplace, and how have these aspects influenced your overall job satisfaction?
Leadership Impact: Discuss the impact of leadership within the company on your work experience. How have leaders supported your success, and what leadership qualities do you find most inspiring?

These prompts are designed to encourage employees to share detailed and insightful testimonials that provide a well-rounded view of their experiences within the company.

Conclusion

The right employee testimonials can help you attract the best talent. Consider your plan for getting better employee testimonials carefully. With the right execution, you can encourage your employees to share their thoughts and feelings, and also foster a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement.