The success of any employee referral program depends completely on the active participation of employees because employees are one of the biggest skeptics of any new program. It is very much essential to add a bit of fun to the program which helps to keep things interesting and also spreads a positive word of mouth about the program. This encourages more employees to participate in the program. ZALP has suggested 9 unique ways which can help you to create a fun employee referral program.

1. 9 Ways to create a fun
Employee Referral Program
9 Ways to create a fun Employee Referral Program

2. 9 Ways to create a fun
Employee Referral Program
The success of an employee referral program hinges entirely on the active participation of employees and in any organization employees are one of the biggest skeptics of any new program.
It becomes imperative to add fun and excitement to keep employees engaged with the program even after the initial euphoria over the program has settled down.
Adding a bit of fun to the program helps keep things interesting and also spreads positive word of mouth about the program which helps to draw in more employees to participate in the program.
INTRODUCTION

3. 9 Ways to create a fun
Employee Referral Program
Below are 9 tips on how you can create a fun employee referral program that will be truly appreciated by employees :

4. 9 Ways to create a fun
Employee Referral Program
The first and foremost thing to do is to add many more winners to the referral program instead of just one. The fun element goes up significantly if there are multiple chances of winning prizes throughout the program, even if the prizes are small in nature.
For instance including movie tickets for someone whose referral manages to cross the 1st round of interview will add more excitement to the program.
Expand the Scope

5. 9 Ways to create a fun
Employee Referral Program
Surprise your employees every now and then by mixing things or adding new elements to the referral program.
For instance you can introduce a double rewards hour where employees earn double the normal rewards for referrals made within that hour.Other ideas include holding surprise lotteries and raffles for employees whose referrals have made been successfully screened for interview.
Add the Surprise element

6. 9 Ways to create a fun
Employee Referral Program
Hard to fill positions can be made fun by holding competitions with special prizes for employees who refer candidates for that position.
Leveraging an employee referral program to fill critical positions, works the fastest. You are assured of the quality, the experience and the factual information to initiate first conversation with the potential candidate.
Prioritize Positions

7. 9 Ways to create a fun
Employee Referral Program
A successful way to keep things fun is to introduce limited time offers with attractive prizes where employees referring qualified candidates within that time frame earn special rewards.
Attach a supplemental referral bonus amount for positions or roles that are hard to fill as they require specialized, niche skill sets.
Organize contests

8. 9 Ways to create a fun
Employee Referral Program
Gamification is a wonderful tool to promote fun and excitement in the program.
It is the next big driver of employee participation and is becoming increasingly popular due to its quick adoption by employees.
Have a leaderboard displaying the points each employee has earned in the referral reward program and keep pitting them against each other to keep things interesting.
Gamify the program

9. 9 Ways to create a fun
Employee Referral Program
Introduce points based rewards system where points are redeemable against prizes.
Introduce bonus points from time to time for employees completing a specific action which adds more fun and surprise to the referral program
Plan a hiring budget against each job description by implementing a tiered employee referral bonus program which rewards every employee who has made a relevant referral. This acts as a great motivator to draw more referrals.
Have a points based reward policy

10. 9 Ways to create a fun
Employee Referral Program
Team competitions are another way to build fun into employee referrals.
Special competitions between functions and departments with the winning prize going to the team with the maximum referrals are another way to promote both excitement and collaboration within teams.
Employees who have contributed significantly to the success of employee referral program can be felicitated at office functions or can also receive handwritten notes from senior leaders.
Make it competitive

11. 9 Ways to create a fun
Employee Referral Program
Organize drawings or raffles at scheduled times of the year.
It could be in the form of a annual bumper draw like a vacation cruise or multiple small draws throughout the year for employees participating in the referral program
Another way is to offer employees who have referred candidates an opportunity to participate and win in a larger prize draw like a laptop or a TV or a holiday etc.
Try having a raffle

12. 9 Ways to create a fun
Employee Referral Program
Organize referral events and create videos and posters of employees having fun at these events and circulate them widely for people to relive those events and keep looking forward to the next one.
Once you have branded the program, marketing the referral program becomes every bit as important to ensure that the referral program continues to occupy mind space among employees.
Ensure that the program name and logo is visibly featured in employee communications and continue to promote the program through various initiatives
Create a buzz

13. 9 Ways to create a fun
Employee Referral Program
Adding fun to the referral program means putting your creative caps on and thinking from the point of view of what would interest employees and help them stay engaged and excited about the program. When you are able to think from that perspective, you are sure create a rocking and high-performing employee referral program.

14. 9 Ways to create a fun
Employee Referral Program
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