Best Practices: How Images Influence Employee Engagement and Culture

Images play a critical role in effective communication and employee engagement. Although images are often an afterthought, research suggests images should be as integral to the content as the written or verbal information is. 

A page's cover image is a user's first impression of the information within. As a whole, visual elements across the intranet (site banners, iconography, branding, etc.) contribute to an overall vibe that reflect a company’s identity. The collective impact of these visuals contributes to how employees perceive both the content and the company, fostering associations that can either enhance or detract from the overall user experience.

The Facts About Figures

Articles with relevant images receive 94% more views than those without. Furthermore, on social media, images outperform videos, driving 20% more engagement, and they attract a staggering 352% more engagement than plain text links. But why do images make such a significant difference in engagement?

Studies indicate that a single image can influence a user’s subconscious behavior for hours after it is viewed -- even if it was displayed for just a fraction of a second. They can influence emotions and trigger physiological responses like an increased heart rate or a fluttery feeling in your belly. Consider how differently "Q1 Revenue📈" and "Q1 Revenue📉" come across. Despite the verbiage being identical, the icons each headline is paired with influences the mood, context, and overall understanding of the subject.

Now, I'm not suggesting anyone add a happy face to a page about 🙂 Upcoming Budget Cuts 🙂 so people don’t get as upset. I'm suggesting that images are very powerful, influential things and should be used strategically across the intranet to engage employees.

Choosing the Right Image

Given their impact, images on intranet platforms should be selected with care. Consider the following aesthetic traits when choosing visuals:

Different types of visuals can be used strategically to promote clear understanding and enhance user engagement:

• Infographics: Infographics simplify complex or abstract information. For instance, an infographic breaking down year-end financial growth can be more engaging than a text-heavy page.
• Flowcharts: Visually explaining complex processes can make information more accessible to users. In fact, a majority of people report that they are visual learners.
• PPL Pictures: People are naturally drawn to images of other people, particularly those showing facial expressions. The ability to interpret social cues makes images of people far more engaging than inanimate objects.
• Other Images: Illustrations, iconography, abstract designs, and photos (with or without people) can contribute to and enhance the overall look and feel of the intranet.

Intranet teams may want to consider finding a balance between using standardized images and providing guidelines that allow authors to choose their own. This can provide a unified brand experience while still fostering an authentic employee communications culture.

"See" is for Culture

When employees feel connected to their organization, they are more likely to be engaged. Images can evoke a range of emotions—from humor to sadness, from ambivalence to inspiration—that can influence how employees feel about the content and company overall. Look at the three examples below and consider how you feel about each announcement.

Example 1	Example 2	Example 3
Q1 CSAT Report We are thrilled to announce that we have exceeded our CSAT goals by 7% for this quarter, reflecting our team’s dedication to delivering exceptional service. This achievement highlights our commitment to putting customers first and continuously improving their experience.	Q1 CSAT Report We are thrilled to announce that we have exceeded our CSAT goals by 7% for this quarter, reflecting our team’s dedication to delivering exceptional service. This achievement highlights our commitment to putting customers first and continuously improving their experience.	Q1 CSAT Report We are thrilled to announce that we have exceeded our CSAT goals by 7% for this quarter, reflecting our team’s dedication to delivering exceptional service. This achievement highlights our commitment to putting customers first and continuously improving their experience.

Relatable photos might inspire pride and positivity. On the other hand, a picture that lacks relevance or emotional resonance --or having no picture at all-- could leave employees feeling apathetic or disconnected.

The frequency with which certain types of images or themes are used creates a unique environment for employees to experience, helping shape their perception of the company over time. Thoughtful use of imagery can contribute to a company’s overall culture by fostering connectedness and creating positive associations with the organization.

Collectively, we should help customers understand that visuals are far more than trivial aesthetic choices—they are powerful tools for enhancing engagement, employee connectedness, and communication effectiveness. Incorporating relevant, high-quality visuals into intranet content can increase employee interaction and foster a more engaging company culture. By selecting images that are meaningful and emotionally resonant, companies can elevate their internal communications and create a more cohesive culture that inspires employees to want to engage with the intranet, company, and one another.

Struggling to find images? Check out the Simpplr Curated Collection on Unsplash.