This startup is paying employees to post on LinkedIn—and solving its hiring problem

Warp, a startup in the employee management sector, has found a novel approach to tackle the issue of an overwhelming number of applications for open roles. Instead of relying on traditional methods, the company has introduced an "employee-generated content" (EGC) program, in which employees are incentivized to post on LinkedIn and X. This strategy is spearheaded by Warp's chief people officer, Gabriella Garcia.

The EGC program operates on a simple yet effective principle: the more employees post, the higher their chances of winning a monthly raffle. Each post earns employees an entry, and three winners are awarded a "couple of hundred dollars" every month. As a result, approximately a third of Warp's workforce now posts at least twice a week, contributing to the company's talent acquisition efforts.

The impact of the EGC program is evident in Warp's hiring metrics. In the past quarter, the company successfully hired 30 individuals. Many of these new hires expressed their interest in joining Warp because they saw the company's content on LinkedIn. Garcia believes that this approach not only helps in reaching quality candidates but also fosters a sense of community among the employees.

To support employees in their content creation, Warp offers various resources. Those who feel stuck on writing can attend weekly brainstorming sessions led by a member of Warp's marketing team. Additionally, the company provides an AI-powered agent, Claude, which can draft posts in an employee's voice, providing a helpful starting point for those who may have writer's block.

However, Garcia emphasizes the importance of editing these drafts to avoid the "AI slop" and to ensure that the content resonates with a human touch, focusing on genuine stories rather than "rage-bait."

When implementing a similar program, Garcia suggests three key steps for other HR leaders: first, identify employees who are passionate about building their personal brands; second, create systems that make it easier for employees to post, such as regular brainstorming sessions or AI-assisted drafting tools; and third, track the return on investment (ROI) generated by this content. This can include measuring the number of quality hires that the employee-generated content leads to.