Supermarket giant Asda has made a huge change to the staff uniforms - and it could be potentially life-saving for shoppers.
The supermarket has extended its 'happy to chat' scheme offering delivery drivers the option to wear a 'happy to chat' badge on their uniform to make it clear to customers they are happy to talk to them.
As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, 23 per cent of customers admitted they were often only interacting with other people once a week, and often this person was a delivery driver.
The initiative was launched in conjunction with the Royal Voluntary Service as a trial last November after delivery drivers were highlighted as a life line for those living alone, reports Manchester Evening News.
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Asda is now making the badges a permanent addition to the uniform of all 7,500 delivery drivers should they wish to participate, following positive response from customers.
Vice President of Online Grocery at ASDA Simon Gregg said: “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 added: “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.”
