Volvo is a beloved means of transportation for many of us, and in 2023 was the fourth largest car brand in Norway. They are committed to quality in what they do. Quality in the cars they sell, and not least in the way they treat their 400 employees in Norway. An important part of this is giving gifts on appropriate occasions, to show that they care about each individual employee.
They have a long and generous tradition of giving gifts to employees. Among other things, they give gifts in connection with birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, births, employment, funerals and not least at Christmas. Gift cards have long been the first choice because of the flexibility it provides for recipients.
Bozena Blili is responsible for employee gifts at Volvo, and describes how previous gift solutions have been.
“Previously, we have given a physical gift card. In many ways it has worked well, but there have been some challenges. First, they charge fees after you start using the card. It is unfair. In addition, it is a physical card, which must be used at a few retail locations. This means that you have to plan well before using it.”
“Many people find it stressful to deal with a physical card. Many don't even use a wallet!”
When a colleague at Volvo came over Glede , they thought this could be useful for them.
She highlights two main reasons why they chose to give Glede a chance:
- Digital cards are the future - They are easier to use and better for the environment than physical cards.
- Freedom of choice - Volvo wants to give employees the opportunity to buy exactly what they want. For many, for example, groceries can be useful if finances are tight.
Volvo tested first Glede for a couple of anniversaries and birthdays. The impression was that it was easy to give gift cards with Glede , while the recipients were delighted. Then they decided to give Glede for Christmas to the employees in 2024.
Buttery soft recipients
Bozena tells us what she thinks about Glede as a Christmas gift for employees. "I think it was easy to send. The job went much easier than it has in the past. The employees have also been satisfied, and we have received a lot of positive feedback."
She mentions three features she particularly appreciates: Glede :
- Uploading a custom-designed card - This makes the gift extra personal for the recipient.
- Choosing a sending time - By choosing a specific sending time, they can ensure that the timing of the gift is perfect, making it feel as personal as possible.
- Usage overview - Bozena has a full overview of who has received, opened and used the gift cards. That way she doesn't have to wonder if the gift has arrived and whether it was useful or not.
“I usually send the gift at 10 in the morning. Then the employee notices the gift card on their phone during lunch, and there is a really good atmosphere around the table!”, she says.
“I see no disadvantages with Glede “In an electronic society, it’s much easier to use than physical gift cards.”
Following the positive response from recipients, Volvo has discontinued testing Glede on a small scale, to use Glede as an employee gift for any occasion.
Bozena concludes with a warm recommendation of Glede to other companies. “A couple of weeks ago I recommended Glede to a friend who works in another company. I mean Glede “Great for all companies that give gifts to employees.”
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