Pinar R.O.Hanna Larsson recently shared a simple yet profound insight on LinkedIn: “The best marketing tip? Keep employees happy.” And, as always, she’s absolutely right.
At first glance, you might wonder, what does employee happiness have to do with marketing? The answer: everything.
Happy employees are more than just productive—they’re your most authentic brand ambassadors. They create the culture, represent your values, and ultimately shape how the world perceives your business.
Let’s talk about why employee happiness is not just an HR or leadership goal but a cornerstone of successful marketing.
Happy Employees = Stronger Brand
Your employees are the first point of contact with customers, stakeholders, and even potential recruits. Whether it’s a friendly barista at your coffee shop or a customer service rep answering inquiries, employees set the tone for how your brand is experienced.
When employees feel valued and engaged, it shows in how they communicate with others. Their enthusiasm becomes contagious, making customers more likely to trust and connect with your brand.
Reverse Insight: On the flip side, unhappy employees can become a liability. They might appear disengaged in customer interactions or, worse, openly express dissatisfaction, damaging your reputation. Customers won’t forget how they were treated, and neither will your employees.
Pro Tip: Create a culture where employees feel genuinely valued by offering regular recognition, rewards, and transparent communication. When employees know they matter, they’ll pass that positivity along to customers.
Employee Happiness Drives Word-of-Mouth Marketing
Think about this: every employee has a network of friends, family, and professional contacts. When they’re happy at work, they naturally share positive stories about their experiences. Those stories become powerful testimonials for your brand.
Platforms like Glassdoor and LinkedIn amplify employee voices, making their experiences more visible than ever. Happy employees are your unpaid marketers, spreading the word about your company’s culture and values.
Reverse Insight: The danger is just as real on the other side. Disgruntled employees are equally likely to share their dissatisfaction. Negative reviews or social media posts can tarnish your reputation. Remember, “People will never forget how you made them feel.”
Pro Tip: Proactively manage your employer brand. Encourage employees to share their positive experiences and address grievances quickly to minimize negative word-of-mouth.
The Marketing & Employee Connection
1. Authenticity is Key
Marketing thrives on authenticity, and nothing feels more genuine than employees who truly believe in the company’s mission.
Reverse Insight: Inauthenticity is easy to spot. If employees are unhappy, any public-facing messaging will feel hollow and disconnected. Customers can sense when there’s a gap between a company’s external image and its internal culture.
Pro Tip: Ensure your internal values align with your external messaging. If your company promises inclusivity and innovation, make sure your employees experience that firsthand.
2. Talent Retention Saves Resources
High turnover isn’t just an HR problem—it’s a marketing issue. Frequent staff changes disrupt brand consistency and weaken customer relationships. It is also a red flag about leadership.
Reverse Insight: A revolving door of employees signals instability to both customers and potential hires. Loyal, long-term employees provide continuity that strengthens trust.
Pro Tip: Invest in employee development and career growth to build a loyal team that reflects your brand’s long-term vision.
3. Innovative Ideas Come from Engaged Teams
Engaged employees are more likely to contribute creative ideas that drive marketing campaigns and improve customer experiences.
Reverse Insight: Disengaged employees often stick to the bare minimum, avoiding innovation. This stagnation can lead to uninspired marketing and poor customer experiences.
Pro Tip: Encourage a culture of creativity by involving employees in brainstorming sessions and rewarding innovative contributions.
How to Keep Employees Happy
1. Foster a Culture of Respect
Acknowledge and celebrate your employees’ efforts and accomplishments. Value each team member’s contributions without bias. Avoid placing yourself on a pedestal, practicing favoritism, or applying double standards—these behaviors erode trust and teamwork. Treat everyone with fairness and respect to foster a positive and inclusive workplace.
Reverse Insight: A lack of acknowledgment breeds resentment. Employees who feel invisible are less likely to go above and beyond for the company.
Pro Tip: Build regular recognition into your routine, from shout-outs in team meetings to personalized thank-you notes.
2. Invest in Growth
Provide opportunities for learning and career advancement.
Reverse Insight: Stagnation is a morale killer. Employees who feel stuck are more likely to leave or disengage.
Pro Tip: Offer mentorship programs, online courses, or even leadership training to show you’re invested in their futures.
3. Prioritize Work-Life Balance
Encourage employees to take breaks and disconnect outside of work hours.
Reverse Insight: Burned-out employees often deliver subpar work and are more likely to express dissatisfaction.
Pro Tip: Model balance by respecting boundaries. Avoid sending late-night emails or expecting instant replies outside work hours.
4. Listen and Adapt
Conduct surveys or one-on-one check-ins to understand employee needs.
Reverse Insight: Ignoring employee feedback signals that their voices don’t matter, leading to disengagement.
Pro Tip: Act on feedback promptly. Let employees see how their input leads to positive changes.
5. Create a Supportive Environment
Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion to ensure all employees feel safe and valued.
Reverse Insight: A lack of inclusivity creates divisions, limiting collaboration and fostering a toxic culture.
Pro Tip: Host regular DEI workshops and celebrate diverse voices within your organization.
The ROI of Happy Employees
The connection between employee happiness and business success is undeniable:
- 21% higher profitability for companies with engaged employees (Gallup).
- 59% lower turnover rates (SHRM).
- Improved customer loyalty and stronger brand advocacy. (Gallup)
Your employees are the foundation of your brand. When they thrive, so does your business.
A Personal Note from the Author
No matter what you do—whether you’re selling food, running a nonprofit, or leading a global enterprise—your employees are your most valuable investment. They’re not just part of your operations; they’re the heart and soul of your brand.
Hanna Larsson’s insight, “The best marketing tip? Keep employees happy,” hits the nail on the head. When your team feels valued and supported, their passion and dedication shine through. They’re the ones who create memorable customer experiences, foster trust, and share your mission with authenticity that no ad campaign could ever match.
How you treat your employees isn’t just an internal matter—it’s the story your business tells to the world. When you invest in their growth, listen to their voices, and show them you care, the ripple effect is profound. They become your strongest advocates, driving loyalty and building a legacy of excellence.
So, nurture your team. Celebrate their wins. Show up for them the way you want them to show up for your brand. Because when your employees thrive, your business doesn’t just succeed—it soars.
Books to Read About Employee Engagement and Workplace Culture
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink
Learn about the three essential elements of motivation—autonomy, mastery, and purpose—and how to foster these in your workplace to boost employee satisfaction and productivity.
Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott
A guide to providing effective feedback, fostering healthy communication, and creating a respectful and collaborative work environment.
The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups by Daniel Coyle
This book delves into what makes a strong workplace culture and provides actionable tips to build trust and collaboration.
Work Rules!: Insights from Inside Google That Will Transform How You Live and Lead by Laszlo Bock
Written by Google’s former SVP of People Operations, this book offers innovative approaches to creating a workplace that supports employee growth and happiness.
Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen
An insightful read on how to handle and give feedback in ways that enhance employee performance and morale.
The Employee Experience Advantage by Jacob Morgan
Focuses on the importance of creating a workplace that prioritizes employees’ physical, emotional, and technological needs to boost engagement and retention.
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brené Brown
Explores how vulnerability and courage can transform leadership, helping leaders create environments where employees feel valued and inspired.
No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer
A case study on how Netflix’s unique workplace culture drives creativity and innovation.
Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
A foundational book for understanding how purpose-driven leadership can inspire employees and enhance workplace satisfaction.
Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together, and Others Don’t by Simon Sinek
This book explains the power of creating environments where employees feel safe and valued, fostering loyalty and collaboration.
References
Gallup. (2020). State of the Global Workplace Report.
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). (2021). Employee Engagement and Retention Statistics.
Harter, J., & Mann, A. (2020). It’s the Manager: Gallup Finds the Quality of Managers and Team Leaders Is the Single Biggest Factor in Your Organization’s Long-Term Success. Gallup Press.
Buckingham, M., & Goodall, A. (2019). Nine Lies About Work: A Freethinking Leader’s Guide to the Real World. Harvard Business Review Press.
Edmonson, A. (2019). The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth. Wiley.
