10 Employee Referral Program Communication Templates to Encourage More Referrals

Maintaining a healthy culture of employee referrals requires consistent communication to employees to ensure the program remains top of mind. To help you engage your workforce and drive more referrals, we’ve compiled 10 ready-to-use email templates tailored for enterprise talent acquisition teams.

1. Referral Program Launch/Re-Launch Template

Subject:

Announcing the Launch of Our Enhanced Employee Referral Program‍

Body:‍

Dear Team,

We are excited to announce the launch (or relaunch) of our Employee Referral Program, designed to recognize and reward you for helping us attract top talent. Your referrals contribute to building a strong, collaborative workforce aligned with our company’s mission and values.

How It Works:

• Refer a candidate through [Referral Portal Link].
• If your referral is hired and meets eligibility criteria, you will receive up to [$X].
• There are no limits – the more you refer, the greater the impact!

Your network could hold our next great hire. Submit your referrals today!

2. Start of the New Year

Subject:

‍New Year, New Referral Bonuses‍

Body:‍

Happy New Year team! As we embark on another successful year, we are committed to strengthening our team with top-tier talent, and you play a key role in this effort.

Our Employee Referral Program is designed to reward you up to [$X] for recommending great candidates who align with our company culture and goals.

💼 How to Refer: Refer a candidate through [Referral Portal Link].

📢 Incentive Details: When your referral is hired and meets eligibility criteria, you will receive up to [$X]. 

3. Shout-Outs for Top Referring Departments & Locations

Subject:

Celebrating Our Top Referring Department – Will Yours Be Next?‍

Body:‍

Dear Team,

We are thrilled to recognize [Department Name/Location Name] for leading the way in employee referrals this quarter! Their collective efforts have resulted in [#] new hires, helping us grow with talented professionals who share our mission.

Could your department be next? Your referrals play a critical role in building a high-performing team. 

Submit your recommendations through [Referral Portal Link], earn up to [$X], and help us recognize your team’s contributions.

4. Quarterly Gamification Announcement

Subject:

Employee Referral Challenge – Win Rewards This Quarter!‍

Body:‍

Dear [Employee’s Name],

To make employee referrals even more engaging, we are introducing a quarterly referral challenge! The top 3 individuals who submit referral hires will receive a [describe incentive]. 

🏆 Challenge Period: [Start Date] – [End Date]
🎯 How to Participate: Submit referrals through [Referral Portal Link].

Don’t miss this opportunity to earn great rewards while helping shape our workforce. Get started today!

5. Top Referrers of the Quarter/Year

Subject:

Recognizing Our Top Employee Referrers – Could You Be Next?‍

Body:‍

Dear Team,

We are proud to celebrate the outstanding contributions of our top employee referrers this [quarter/year]! Their efforts have significantly impacted our recruitment efforts, and we sincerely appreciate their dedication.

🥇 [Employee Name] – [# Referral Hires]
🥈 [Employee Name] – [ [# Referral Hires]
🥉 [Employee Name] –  [# Referral Hires]

Would you like to be on this list next time? 

Keep referring great talent and get rewarded up to [$X] for your efforts. Learn more here: [Referral Portal Link]

6. End of the Year Appreciation

Subject:

Thank You for an Outstanding Year of Employee Referrals‍

Body:‍

Dear Team,

As we close out the year, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for your participation in our Employee Referral Program. Thanks to your efforts, we have welcomed [#] employee referral hires who are making a meaningful impact on our organization.

Your continued engagement in referring to top talent helps shape our future. We look forward to another successful year ahead!

Keep referring great talent and get rewarded up to [$X] for your efforts. Learn more here: [Referral Portal Link]

7. Employee Testimonial Highlight

Subject:

See How Your Referrals Make a Difference‍

Body:‍

Dear [Employee’s Name],

We love hearing success stories from our employee referral program! Here’s how [Employee Name] helped bring in top talent:

“[Quote from referrer or new hire about their experience].”

Your referrals have a lasting impact. Help us continue growing by submitting your recommendations today and earn up to [$X]: [Referral Portal Link]

8. Limited-Time Referral Bonus Increase

Subject:

For a Limited Time: Increased Referral Bonuses!‍

Body:‍

Dear Team,

We are excited to announce a limited-time increase in our employee referral bonus! From [Start Date] to [End Date], you will earn [$New Bonus Amount] for each successful referral.

💰 Enhanced Bonus Applies To: [List key roles]
🎯 Submit Referrals Here: [Referral Portal Link]

Don’t miss this opportunity to maximize your rewards. Start referring today!

9. Welcome New Hires from Referrals

Subject:

Join Us in Welcoming Our Newest Team Members!‍

Body:‍

Dear Team,

Thanks to your referrals, we have welcomed [#] new hires this month! Please take a moment to introduce yourself and help them feel at home.

Your referrals truly make a difference in shaping our culture and team. Let’s continue bringing in great talent! 

Submit your referrals here and earn up to [$X]: [Referral Portal Link]

10. Mid-Year Check-In

Subject:

Mid-Year Update – Your Referrals Are Making an Impact!‍

Body:‍

Dear [Employee’s Name],

We’re halfway through [Year], and our referral program has already helped us welcome [#] incredible new team members. Thank you for playing a key role in this success!

As we continue to expand our workforce, we encourage you to keep referring top talent. Every recommendation strengthens our organization.

Submit your referrals here and earn up to [$X]: [Referral Portal Link]