Employer brand vs employee value proposition
People and Culture

Employer Brand vs Employee Value Proposition (EVP)

Ian Cook

December 5, 2023

time

mins

An effective recruitment strategy, and indeed a successful business strategy, hinges on two critical elements: an employer brand and an employee value proposition (EVP). Though often used interchangeably, these terms have distinct meanings.

Employer Brand: This refers to the external reputation and image of a company as a desirable place to work.

Employee Value Proposition (EVP): This represents the value employees receive from the organization and the value they contribute in return.

Let's dive in further!

Employer Brand vs. Employee Value Proposition, The Key Takeaways

  • Both employer branding and EVP are essential for attracting and retaining top talent.
  • These elements improve employee engagement and satisfaction.
  • Developing an EVP requires thorough research and alignment with company values.
  • Tools like Vouch video can simplify and enhance your employer branding efforts.
Employer Brand Costs Statistic


What Is The Role of Your Employer Brand?

When it comes to your employer brand vs employee value proposition, your employer brand component is what shapes your company’s reputation as an "employer of choice."

Here are key aspects of a strong employer brand:

  • Attracting Talent: A strong brand attracts top candidates who align with your values and aspirations. LinkedIn reports a 50% increase in qualified applicants for companies with a strong employer brand.
  • Enhancing Retention: A defined employer brand fosters a sense of belonging, leading to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates.
  • Improving Candidate Quality: Candidates attracted by your brand are likely to fit better culturally, leading to higher performance and lower hiring costs.
  • Reducing Recruitment Costs: A positive brand reduces cost per hire by generating organic interest and leveraging employee referrals.
  • Building Trust and Reputation: It enhances your overall company reputation, building trust with potential candidates, employees, and customers.
  • Supporting Diversity and Inclusion: A clear brand that emphasizes diversity can attract a more diverse workforce.
  • Enhancing Engagement: A brand that reflects company values increases employee engagement, leading to higher productivity and better customer service.
  • Differentiating in the Market: A strong brand sets you apart in a competitive job market.
  • Supporting Business Goals: Aligning your brand with business goals ensures your talent strategy is cohesive.
  • Crisis Management: A strong brand helps maintain morale and attract supportive candidates during crises.
60% of in-house recruiting pros predict their employer branding investments will increase this year. Source LinkedIn


What Is The Importance of Your Employee Value Propositions (EVPs)?

An effective EVP can significantly reduce employee turnover and increase new hire commitment. It communicates the value employees receive from your organization and what they are expected to contribute. EVPs encompass tangible benefits and intangible factors like team spirit and meaningful work.

For example, did you know that according to LinkedIn the #1 obstacle candidates experience when searching for a job is not knowing what it’s like to work at an organization. This shows just important your employer brand and employee value propositions are.

How Do You Develop Your EVPs?

Like your employer brand, creating a strong EVP involves several steps.

Remember it's not your employer brand vs employee value proposition that matters, it's about making them work seamlessly together.

1. Conduct Internal Research

  • Employee Surveys: Gather insights on what employees value most.
  • Focus Groups: Gain qualitative insights from different departments.
  • Exit Interviews: Identify reasons for employee departures and areas for improvement.

2. Analyze External Perceptions

  • Employer Review Sites: Monitor reviews to understand how employees view your company.
  • Competitor Analysis: Research competitors' EVPs to find gaps and opportunities.

3. Identify Key Themes

  • Workplace Culture: Highlight appealing aspects of your culture.
  • Career Growth: Identify development opportunities.
  • Compensation and Benefits: Compare your packages with industry standards.
  • Work-Life Balance: Evaluate policies supporting work-life balance.

4. Craft Clear and Compelling EVPs

  • Clarity: Ensure each EVP is easy to understand.
  • Relevance: Focus on what matters to your target audience.
  • Authenticity: Be honest and transparent about your offerings.
  • Align with Company Values and Goals: Ensure EVPs reflect your mission, values, and strategic goals.

5. Communicate Your EVPs

  • Job Descriptions: Include EVPs in job postings.
  • Career Website: Highlight EVPs on your career page.
  • Social Media: Share stories and testimonials reflecting your EVPs.
  • Onboarding Materials: Reinforce EVPs during onboarding.

6. Evaluate and Iterate

  • Feedback Loops: Continuously gather employee feedback.
  • Performance Metrics: Track engagement, retention, and recruitment success.
  • Regular Updates: Periodically review and update EVPs.
HR Leaders Thoughts on Employer Branding


How Do You Promote Your EVPs?

When it comes to employer brand vs employee value proposition, it's in the promotion of both your EB and EVPs effectively attracts and retains top talent.

Here are strategies to consider:

  1. Career Websites: Create dedicated sections for EVPs with engaging visuals and multimedia.
  2. Job Descriptions: Highlight EVPs and ensure consistent messaging.
  3. Social Media Platforms: Share regular updates and employee stories on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter..
  4. Internal Communications: Use onboarding, intranet, and newsletters to communicate EVPs.
  5. Recruitment Marketing: Run targeted campaigns and publish content highlighting your EVPs.
  6. Events and Networking: Promote EVPs at career fairs, conferences, and company events.
  7. Employee Referral Programs: Incentivize referrals and use referral tools.
  8. Partnerships and Sponsorships: Collaborate with educational institutions and industry organizations.
  9. Media and Public Relations: Announce achievements and initiatives through press releases and seek media coverage.
  10. Employee Testimonials and Case Studies: Create video testimonials and detailed case studies.

40% of the global workforce considering leaving their current employer within the next year. People are job-hopping to keep up with rising costs of living. Source McKinsey


FAQs

What is the difference between your employer brand vs employee value proposition?

The employer brand is the external reputation of a company as an employer, while the EVP outlines the mutual value exchange between the employer and employees.

Why is it important to showcase your employer branding?

Employer branding establishes your company’s positioning to employees, candidates, and stakeholders, shaping your external reputation.

What is the role of an EVP?

When it comes to employer brand vs employee value proposition, your EVP communicates the value employees receive and contribute, helping to attract and retain top talent and enhance employee engagement.

How can you bring the EVP to life?

Use onboarding videos, update your career page, leverage social media, and create video series featuring employees.

How can you measure the effectiveness of the EVP strategy?

Track metrics like reduced attrition rates, increased internal opportunities, and improved engagement scores.

Why is it essential to align the EVP with the employer brand?

Alignment ensures consistency in messaging and helps build an authentic and compelling work culture.

What are the benefits of a strong employer brand and EVP?

They attract and retain top talent, improve engagement and satisfaction, and enhance the overall employee experience.

Candidate job research

Conclusion

When it comes to employer brand vs employee value proposition, aligning your Employer Branding and Employee Value Propositions (EVPs) lays the foundation for a robust recruitment strategy, making your company an "employer of choice".

Remember, your employer brand shapes perceptions, while your EVP communicates the value exchange. Together, they create a powerful strategy that sets your company apart from your competitors.

Also, to stay competitive in the job market of 2024, companies must prioritize both their employer brand and employee value proposition to attract and retain top talent and build a positive company culture. By incorporating talent attraction strategies into your overall recruitment strategy, you can set your company apart and create a positive employee experience that promotes productivity and a real sense of purpose among your people.

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Ian Cook

Ian Cook

Creative Lead

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