One workplace trend I’ve been noticing lately is companies increasingly including employees as social media content to promote the business.
And honestly… some of the reels are quite funny and entertaining! People really have talent!
Many of these videos are performing well, which honestly doesn’t surprise me. Audiences today prefer authenticity over polished corporate advertisements after all.
A real employee standing awkwardly in front of the company’s gate somehow performs better than a professionally produced marketing campaign.
So naturally, many companies are now pushing employees to create content, especially when marketing budgets are tight.
Now, not every employee is comfortable being on camera.
Many genuinely do not want their faces permanently attached to a company’s digital footprint online.
And yet, many employees now feel pressured to participate because refusing may be interpreted as not proactive, not supporting, or not a team player.
That’s where the issue begins.
Employers need to know that there is a difference between encouraging participation vs. emotionally pressuring participation.
If social media appearances are genuinely not part of the role e.g. marketing, branding, sales, PR, then communicate it clearly from the beginning.
But especially for backend staff, if they suddenly feel forced to become part-time content creators overnight, resistance is expected lah.
So bosses, please…
• Use willing ambassadors only and reward contributions properly
• Rotate participation fairly
• Respect opt-outs gracefully
Always keep participation fun.
xoxoxo, AuntyHR
