Asda has extended its ‘Happy to Chat’ initiative, which offers its delivery drivers the option to add a new element to their uniform: a ‘Happy to Chat’ badge to let customers know they’re happy to have a quick chat with them whilst their shopping is being delivered.
The initiative first launched as a trial in November in conjunction with the Royal Voluntary Service after it was recognised that the drivers formed a lifeline for some people throughout the pandemic, with almost a quarter (23%) of customers admitting they were only interacting with people once a week – many of whom were delivery drivers. After a positive response and uptake from drivers, the supermarket is now making the badges a permanent option for all its 7,500 delivery drivers.
Vice President of Online Grocery at Asda, Simon Gregg, commented: “As Covid restrictions begin to lift but many still feeling the impact of the last year without regular contact with friends and family, it felt right to make our Happy to Chat badges a permanent fixture to our drivers’ uniforms. We’re incredibly proud of all the work they do – and this badge is a symbol of their continued friendly and approachable service which can make such a difference to those that don’t have much contact with others.”
Delivery driver, Geoff Norris, said: “We’ve had such a positive response from customers since we introduced the badges, you can tell that even a five minute chat with someone whilst you’re delivering their shopping can have a such a positive impact on their day.”
To celebrate the initiative, Asda created a short film, featuring colleagues Geoff Norris, Colin Bone, and Elesha Moses. The film followed them on their delivery rounds as they interact with customers and shows the ‘Happy to Chat’ badges in action across the UK. To view the film, please click here.
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