How BrokerLinks incentives for employee involvement through social media have increased productivity

Established in 1991, the BrokerLink companies, constitutes one of the largest property and casualty insurance brokerage operations in Canada. With over 130 offices relying on more than 1,600 employees across Ontario, Alberta and Atlantic Canada, social media is a key component in connecting not only the individual businesses but their employees as well.

BrokerLinks social media engagement system is an amazing concept, not only for the employees internally, but also for employees externally allowing them to reach out to the public through gift based incentives for those who post about the company using social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube. 

The way BrokerLink achieves its internal success is through a messaging system called Partner Solutions Inc (PSI). PSI is an online based, multifaceted messaging tool which is used to increase production by connecting all levels of employees between all 130 offices across Canada, from receptionists to brokers through to middle management and head office. PSI has 2 different levels, an instant messaging system that resembles ‘MSN Messenger’ and a desktop type interface that offers the employees a home base for their daily work as well as a way for the company itself to interact with their employees.

In order to build a strong work environment BrokerLink has created different personal messaging systems which allow Employees to talk freely amongst themselves in a “water cooler” type environment. In doing so employee morale has been boosted, which in turn has increased productivity and employee involvement throughout the company. It also allows employees to connect quickly to ask work related questions to better service their clients.

“The desktop interface provides an interactive channel for the head office to connect with us, by keeping us up to date with news, events, and contests that are going on within the company and with other offices” said Arianne Johnson, a Brantford BrokerLink Broker. “By doing this they eliminate non personal group emails and address employees on an open platform.”

Another way BrokerLink incorporates employee based interaction is by offering gift based incentives for employees. BrokerLink does this by offering prizes for employees sharing posts from BrokerLink on their own personal social media platforms. By doing so, employees are entered into draws to win special prizes.

Lessons for Others

By establishing a fast, interactive and reliable channel to reach all employees through social media. You can not only boost productivity and employee morale, but help create a deeper trust and transparency within the company. It enables companies to remain in control of the messages they send instead of leaving information susceptible to individual interpretations.

If you have concerns as to the accuracy of anything posted on this site, please send your concerns to Peter Carr, Program Director, Social Media for Business Performance.

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