How employee-generated video is changing the way companies communicate
Remote and hybrid work have reshaped how businesses operate, bringing both flexibility and fragmentation. Teams are spread across cities, countries and time zones. Communication, once as simple as stopping by someone’s desk, now relies on screens and scheduled calls. While technology has made collaboration possible, many organisations are still searching for ways to make it personal again.
In this new environment, one of the biggest challenges is keeping employees informed and engaged in a way that feels authentic. Company newsletters, intranet posts and formal video updates still play a role, but they often struggle to capture the warmth and energy that come from real human connection. The result is a communication gap that technology alone can’t fill.
To bridge that gap, a growing number of organisations are turning to employee-generated video (EGV). Rather than relying solely on leadership or communications teams to deliver messages, employees are invited to record short, informal videos of their own. These might include reflections on a recent project, celebrations of company milestones or personal insights about workplace culture.
The approach taps into something simple but powerful: people respond best to people. A quick video from a colleague sharing their perspective can often do more to foster engagement and trust than a carefully designed email campaign. The format feels spontaneous and relatable, while still delivering key messages in a way that sticks.
Some companies are formalising this process to ensure consistency and professionalism. For example, Big Yellow Feet, a creative agency that specialises in internal communication, helps employees record videos from anywhere, which are then curated and refined to fit company branding. According to director Gregory Mandry, the key is authenticity balanced with clarity.
“Employee-generated videos are more than just content; they’re connection,” Mandry said. “They let employees share their perspectives, celebrate milestones, and strengthen team culture, all while delivering key messages in a way that sticks.”
This kind of communication can serve many purposes. Some businesses use it to share leadership updates in a more human tone, while others use it to highlight success stories or team achievements. EGV has also become an effective way to celebrate corporate events or introduce new initiatives in a format that feels personal rather than procedural.
When shared internally, these videos help employees feel part of something larger than their immediate team. When shared externally, on platforms like LinkedIn or company social channels, they showcase the organisation’s culture and values in an authentic light. In both cases, they help build connection in a world where employees increasingly crave meaning and belonging at work.
The success of employee-generated video also reflects a wider shift in business communication. Audiences, whether internal or external, have grown more discerning about tone and authenticity. Overly polished corporate messages can feel detached, while genuine voices stand out. EGV sits at the intersection of these two forces: professional enough to represent the brand, yet personal enough to feel real.
For leaders, the takeaway is clear. Empowering employees to tell their own stories isn’t just a creative exercise; it’s a strategic advantage. It builds trust, reinforces culture, and gives employees a stake in how the organisation communicates. And in a workplace defined by physical distance, that sense of shared ownership can make all the difference.
As companies continue to adapt to hybrid and remote models, employee-generated video is proving to be more than a communication trend. It represents a shift toward openness, collaboration and human connection. By giving people the tools and confidence to share their voices, organisations can turn everyday moments into meaningful conversations that strengthen both engagement and culture.
In an age where attention is scarce and authenticity is priceless, the most effective way to communicate may be the simplest of all: letting employees speak for themselves.