Why Employee Testimonials Matter (With a Dash of Humor)
Let’s be honest—most corporate newsletters have a well-earned reputation for being… well, boring. Dry announcements, forgettable updates, and the occasional forced attempt at humor (looking at you, “Fun Fact Friday”). But what if there was a way to transform them into something employees actually want to read?
Enter: Employee Testimonials.
Employee testimonials are not just fluff; they’re an invaluable tool for building company culture, improving morale, and showcasing real voices within your organization. When done right, they provide authenticity, inspire engagement, and even help with employer branding. But—big but—they need the right format.
So, if you’re ready to ditch the lifeless “John has been here for 10 years and loves coffee” testimonials and craft something meaningful, keep reading. In this guide, we’ll break down the perfect employee testimonial format for internal newsletters, complete with examples, expert tips, and a seamless flow to keep readers hooked.
The Importance of Employee Testimonials in Internal Newsletters
Before jumping into formats, let’s get one thing straight: Why do employee testimonials matter?
- They humanize the workplace – Numbers and stats are great, but people connect with stories.
- They boost morale – Recognizing employees publicly makes them feel valued.
- They enhance company culture – A company’s culture isn’t what HR says it is—it’s what employees experience.
- They improve retention – When employees feel heard and valued, they’re more likely to stick around.
- They support employer branding – Even internally, a strong brand makes employees proud to be part of the company.
Now that we’ve established why they matter, let’s move on to what a great testimonial actually looks like.
The Core Elements of an Effective Employee Testimonial
A good testimonial isn’t just a random collection of words—it follows a structured format that makes it engaging, authentic, and relatable.
Here’s what every great employee testimonial should include:
A Strong Opening Hook
- This could be a fun fact, an intriguing statement, or a relatable question.
- Example: “I never thought a ‘casual Friday’ policy would change my career, but here we are.”
Employee’s Background (Brief Introduction)
- Name, role, department, and tenure.
- Example: “Hi, I’m Alex, a Marketing Specialist at XYZ Corp. I’ve been here for four years, and let me tell you—it’s been a ride.”
Their Journey and Growth Within the Company
- What brought them to the company?
- How have they grown professionally and personally?
- Example: “I joined as an intern, thinking this would be a temporary gig. Fast forward to today, and I’m leading campaigns with a team that feels more like family than coworkers.”
Company Culture and Work Environment
- What makes the company special?
- How does it support employees?
- Example: “One thing that surprised me was how much leadership values our input. We’re encouraged to speak up, and—get this—they actually listen.”
A Memorable Experience or Highlight
- A specific project, team event, or personal achievement.
- Example: “The moment I knew I was in the right place? The day my manager encouraged me to pitch my idea to the CEO. I expected polite nods. Instead, they ran with it.”
Closing With a Positive Note
- Why they love working here.
- Encouraging words for new employees.
- Example: “If you’re looking for a workplace where you can grow, learn, and occasionally have a heated debate over the best coffee in the office, XYZ Corp is the place to be.”
Different Employee Testimonial Formats for Internal Newsletters
Not all testimonials need to look the same. Depending on your company’s tone and audience, you can experiment with different formats:
The Classic Written Testimonial
- Simple, structured, and easy to read.
- Best for: Traditional corporate environments.
The Q&A Format
- Provides a more conversational tone.
- Best for: Casual and engaging newsletters.
- Example:
Q: What’s your favorite thing about working at XYZ Corp?
A: “The people. Hands down. Also, the unlimited coffee doesn’t hurt.”
The Storytelling Approach
- Written like a mini-narrative rather than a standard testimonial.
- Best for: Companies that want more emotional, compelling content.
The “Day in the Life” Perspective
- Walks readers through an employee’s typical day.
- Best for: Giving new employees a sneak peek into company life.
The Video Testimonial (With Transcript for the Newsletter)
- A short video embedded in the newsletter with a written summary.
- Best for: Dynamic, visually engaging content.
Best Practices for Collecting Employee Testimonials
Getting great testimonials isn’t just about format—it’s about how you collect them. Here are some best practices:
✔️ Make it easy – Provide a structured template or guiding questions.
✔️ Encourage authenticity – Let employees use their own voice instead of corporate jargon.
✔️ Offer incentives – A small reward (gift card, recognition) can go a long way.
✔️ Showcase diversity – Feature employees from different departments, backgrounds, and levels.
✔️ Keep it short and engaging – Aim for 200-300 words max.
Examples of Employee Testimonials Done Right
To give you a better idea, here are two examples of employee testimonials that work:
Written Testimonial
“When I joined XYZ Corp, I had no idea I’d be working on projects that would shape my career. The mentorship here is incredible, and I’ve grown more in two years than I did in my previous job in five. If you’re looking for a workplace that values you, challenges you, and occasionally has an intense ping-pong tournament, this is the place to be.”
— Lisa M., Product Manager
Q&A Format
Q: What’s the best part of working here?
A: “The people, hands down. Also, our ‘no meeting Fridays’ policy is a game-changer.”
— David R., Software Engineer
FAQs
How often should we feature employee testimonials?
Ideally, include one in every newsletter. If that’s too frequent, aim for at least once a quarter.
Should testimonials be anonymous?
No—using real names and roles builds authenticity. But always get employee consent before publishing.
Can we edit testimonials?
Yes, but only for clarity and grammar. Never alter the employee’s message.
Should we include photos with testimonials?
Absolutely! A picture adds a personal touch and makes the testimonial more engaging.
How do we encourage employees to participate?
Make it fun! Offer incentives, showcase testimonials prominently, and ensure employees feel appreciated.
Making Employee Testimonials a Core Part of Your Internal Newsletters
Employee testimonials aren’t just filler content—they’re a powerful way to build connection, boost morale, and showcase company culture. By following the right format, choosing engaging styles, and maintaining authenticity, you can turn your internal newsletter into something employees actually look forward to reading.
So, the next time you’re drafting your company newsletter, remember: A good employee testimonial isn’t just words on a page—it’s a window into the heart of your organization.
