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It’s December – the best time of the year, hands down. The season of festive cheer, indulgent food, and, of course, Spotify Wrapped.
Why does Spotify have us all ‘wrapped’ around its finger?
Wrapped is more than just a flashy recap of your listening habits; it’s a vibrant time capsule of your year – your highs, your lows, and the constants of life. It’s a snapshot of you, packed with nostalgia, celebrating something deeply personal and unequivocally yours.
Why do we love it so much? It’s pretty simple, actually. December is all about reflection. It’s the season when we regret the unused gym memberships, revisit memories with old friends we’ve drifted from, and take stock of how far we’ve come. Spotify Wrapped taps directly into that universal mood, which makes it the irresistible cultural phenomenon it has become.
And while the internet debates whether posting your top artist on your IG story is cringe or not, there’s a bigger conversation Wrapped can inspire – one about employer branding.
I know what you’re thinking – how are these two even remotely connected?
Well, here goes.
What Wrapped can teach us about better employer branding
December isn’t just the month people reflect on their personal lives; it’s also when they take a hard look at their work life. Did they grow? Did they feel valued? Did the job make them want to show up – or just clock out?
Make people feel valued
For companies, it’s the season of KPIs, budgets, and strategy meetings. But amidst all the number-crunching, it’s vital to do one very important thing: check in with their people.
That’s where the magic of Wrapped comes in.
It’s not just a playlist; it’s a philosophical blueprint for how to connect with employees in a way that feels fun, personal, and meaningful.
Celebrate people, not numbers
Wrapped doesn’t just dump all the data on you, it weaves a story that is worth listening to. “This was the year you discovered lo-fi beats,” or “You listened to 3,500 minutes of Taylor Swift, and honestly, we get it.” It’s entertaining, relatable, and makes you feel seen.
That’s exactly what employers need to do – celebrate milestones, team wins, and the collective journey in a way that feels human and engaging. Make it more than just numbers – show the heart behind the work.
Champion individuality in the workplace
The cherry on top is the fact that no two Wrapped are alike. It may remind you of music you love to flex or are too embarrassed to share, but it is still an individual celebration of you and your quirks.
This lesson is an important one when it comes to being a good employer brand too – it’s important to not just view people as employees, rather celebrate them as individuals. Whether it’s highlighting personal achievements, offering tailored growth opportunities, or simply acknowledging their unique contributions, personalisation goes a long way. Employees don’t want to feel like just another cog in the machine – they want to feel valued.
Support future growth
While Wrapped definitely makes you look back, it also nudges you to think ahead. You promise yourself to explore better music, new obscure bands or even new genres as a whole – all so you can show it off next year. You can almost call it a gentle push toward growth.
Similarly, a good place to work isn’t decided based on a mere certification, it’s when employees are given the space to grow, while being supported by you.
Finally…
This is your chance to use December as an opportunity to reflect not just on what the company has achieved, but on how you’ve supported your people. What can you do better? How can you make 2025 the year your employees thrive? A little introspection goes a long way.
While the world compares their top artists and overplayed anthems, take a moment to think about your company’s Wrapped. What story does it tell your employees? Is it one worth sharing? And more importantly, is it one worth sticking around for?
Take the Next Step
Ready to revolutionise your employer brand strategy? Learn how the TMPW Outthink Index can provide the insights you need to attract top talent and build a culture of authenticity. Click here to get started or contact us for a consultation today.
