We’ve talked a lot about how headshots shape your company’s overall brand DNA, but I think it’s time we really zoomed in on the power they hold for your internal brand identity.
Think of your internal brand as the promise you make to your employees, it’s the essence of your company culture, your values in action, and what it truly feels like to work there.
And believe it or not, something as seemingly simple as your employees’ headshots can be a foundational element in building and reinforcing that internal brand.
Why is internal branding so important, you ask? Well, a strong internal brand leads to a more engaged and unified workforce. When employees feel connected to the company’s mission, values, and culture, they’re more likely to be motivated, collaborative, and proud to be part of the team.
And that’s where headshots come in, they’re not just photos; they’re visual representations of your company’s internal identity in action.
Consistency is Key: Reflecting Culture and Values in Every Shot
Just like your external branding relies on consistent logos, colors, and messaging, your internal branding benefits immensely from a consistent style and tone in your employee headshots.
Think about your company culture.
Is it formal and traditional? Then perhaps a more classic headshot style with professional attire and a neutral background would be fitting.
Is your culture more innovative and creative? You might opt for a more relaxed and approachable style, perhaps with employees in business casual attire and backgrounds that reflect that energy.
The key is to ensure that the overall aesthetic of your employee headshots visually aligns with your company’s core values and the feeling you want to cultivate within your organization.
This consistency helps to reinforce your internal brand message and creates a cohesive visual identity for your employees.
Headshots in Action: Reinforcing the Brand Message Internally
Once you have that consistent style in place, think about all the ways you can use these headshots in your internal communications to further reinforce your brand message and foster a stronger sense of unity:
Employee Directory: A company-wide directory with professional, consistent headshots immediately creates a sense of unity and makes it easier for employees to connect with colleagues across different departments.
Intranet Profiles: Employee profiles on your intranet can be enhanced with these headshots, further personalizing the internal platform and reinforcing the idea that everyone is a valued member of the team.
Internal Newsletters and Announcements: When sharing company news, celebrating employee achievements, or introducing new team members, including their professional headshots adds a personal touch and reinforces the “people-first” aspect of your internal brand.
Team Pages and Project Updates: Featuring headshots of team members working on specific projects helps to highlight collaboration and reinforces the value of teamwork within your organization.
Digital Signage: In office spaces, consider using digital signage to display employee headshots, perhaps highlighting different teams or celebrating employee anniversaries, further reinforcing that sense of community.
Building Unity and Belonging: Seeing Yourself as Part of the Whole
When employees see themselves represented professionally and consistently alongside their colleagues, it reinforces their sense of belonging and pride in the organization. It visually communicates that everyone is part of the same team, working towards a common goal.
This feeling of unity and belonging is a cornerstone of a strong internal brand and can significantly impact employee morale and engagement.
Practical Tips for Making Headshots Your Internal Branding Cornerstone:
Develop Clear Guidelines: Create simple guidelines for headshot style, attire, and background that align with your company culture and values.
Make it Accessible: Ensure all employees have the opportunity to get a professional headshot taken, making the process as easy and convenient as possible.
Communicate the “Why”: Explain to your employees why you’re investing in professional headshots and how it connects to the company’s internal brand and culture.
Keep Them Updated: Schedule regular photo sessions to ensure headshots are current, especially for new hires and employees who have been with the company for a while.
Celebrate Your People: Use these headshots widely in your internal communications to celebrate your employees and reinforce that they are the heart of your internal brand.
Seeing the Bigger Picture: More Than Just a Photo, They’re Your Internal Brand in Action
Your employees’ headshots are far more than just simple photographs. When approached strategically and with a focus on consistency and alignment with your company culture and values, they can become a powerful cornerstone of your internal brand identity.
By using them effectively in your internal communications and creating a sense of unity and belonging, you can foster a more engaged, motivated, and ultimately more successful workforce.
So, let’s make sure those headshots are truly reflecting the amazing internal brand you’re building!
Corporate Portrait
Think school picture day meets the business world.
Corporate Portrait brings professional headshot photography directly to your business in Omaha, Lincoln, and surrounding Nebraska communities. Starting at $30 per employee with full ownership rights included. Because getting great headshots shouldn’t be complicated.