Some people don't like their pictures taken; others don't mind. But for an organization, employee ID cards with color photographs serve a few purposes. Here are five reasons your employee ID cards need pictures.
1. Security
There's a reason all states and the federal government require our photographs on a driver's license or passport. It's hard to fake a picture. But more importantly, it's the easiest and fastest way to make sure the cardholder is who they say they are.
Photographs are instant verification for your security personnel, employees, customers, and others that the person on the ID card is, in fact, employed by your company. Regardless of your industry or company mission, security should always be a top priority.
Security is a necessity not a luxury for any business. You must protect your employees from outside threats, and you might need to protect your organization's proprietary information and assets from outside threats as well. You can also use employees' picture ID for access control, restricting access to certain areas and allowing access for others.
And the more security features you add to your employee ID cards, the more secure your facilities. Holograms, micro text, and a host of other security elements offer strong prevention, but every ID card should start with a photograph.
2. Employees' best interests
Companies look for ways to boost confidence and morale, and a photo ID card is a perfect first step.
Everyone likes when they're recognized and called by name. Even when a co-worker reads your name badge, you're being identified as a person and recognized as an individual. It's also a great way to learn everyone's names, building camaraderie and a sense of belonging.
If your employees wear uniforms, name badges with photographs are a great way to make sure others see them as an individual with a name and a face. And if your employees don't wear uniforms, employee photo ID cards are a great way to show everyone you're on the same team.
3. Accountability
Photo ID cards are one way to create accountability for employees, especially customer-facing employees. When anyone can identify workers by name, title, and a photograph, employees are accountable for their actions and behaviors. They can't hide behind anonymity.
If a customer has a problem with an employee, their photo ID can identify them quickly and easily. If management sees an employee slacking off, they can also be identified easily and quickly. And when you combine time and attendance tracking features, your photo ID cards offer a high level of transparency and accountability that employees are where they're supposed to be.
4. Customer relations
Customers like to put a face with a name, and a photo ID badge gives them both. Customers also want to know employees are who they say they are. Some companies providing in-home services and sales send employees' pictures to customers via email and also require their employees wear a photo ID card for instant verification.
An employee ID card with a photo, name, and job title also helps customers know they're talking to someone with the power to help them. And it gives customers a chance to build relationships with your employees when they know individuals by name.
5. Company image
Requiring employees to wear and display their photo ID cards throughout the workday means wherever they are, others see your company logo. It's an inexpensive way to brand your company and promote it outside your facility.
When employees head to lunch, they come in contact with others who notice their photograph, name, title, and company name. Not only does it distinguish them as professionals, but it builds your company's image.
Meetings, conferences, seminars, and even a stop at the grocery store after work are all opportunities to interact with prospective customers. When you present a professional, branded employee photo ID, it gets noticed and remembered.
Final thoughts
Your employee ID cards play many roles. They offer enhanced security, track attendance, restrict access, and some even offer payment options. Take your badges to the next level by adding employees' photographs to each card.
Wondering how to make that happen? Contact an Idesco ID Expert at (212) 889-2530 to discuss the best way to take pictures and add them to your ID badges. From professional cameras and other accessories to image-enhancing software, we'll help you make professional employee photo ID cards that meet your business and budget needs.