In many companies, merch is simply gadgets – calendars or lanyards that are quickly forgotten. At Astek, the approach was different. Instead of random products, a thoughtful system was created that realistically supports three key areas: onboarding, employee advocacy and the MVP recognition program. It’s part of an organizational culture that helps integrate a dispersed IT team and fosters a sense of belonging.
Technology, people and a pace that doesn’t slow down
Astek operates in the field of IT services, supporting clients in developing and maintaining IT systems. The dynamic growth of the organization and the dispersed structure of the teams made it crucial to strengthen the organizational culture and sense of community. The cooperation with MerchUp began with a clear premise: to organize branding activities and give company products a specific role in the organization.
From gadget to strategy: design that spins
Astek’s brand book is based on gradients, custom typography and a distinctive color palette. Designing the collection was based on the slogan “no boredom” and the whole process was pure fun for the Astek team. At MerchUp, we took care of transferring these ideas to reality.
In addition to design, usability and responsibility were equally important. These products are supposed to live together with people: be comfortable, durable and well-designed enough to be reached for reflexively – not only in the office, but also at home office, away or after work.
Three scenarios, thousands of positive emotions
1. Welcome pack: “Hi to the team!” with WOW effect
Onboarding at Astek is more than a series of presentations. It’s the first moment a new person is expected to feel that he or she is really joining the team. That’s why there’s a welcome pack waiting for her right at the start, a pack that says in simple terms: “It’s good that you’re here.”
Among the items inside are a notebook, a designer bottle, a bag and a unique mug. Not random products, but ones that are useful from day one. The result? Instead of the stress of the first hours, there is a smile and a feeling: “this is my place.”
2. Employee Advocacy: gamification that draws you in!
The ambassador program at Astek is not an unpleasant duty, but a healthy and motivating competition. With its clear rules, it has become a natural part of the team’s daily activities. The implemented system, based on game mechanics, allows earning points for, among other things:
- expert content creation,
- Social media activity (e.g. LinkedIn),
- Participation in webinars and industry events.
3. MVP: Trophies for Champions.
The Most Valuable Player program is a tribute to sportsmanship and a real appreciation of individuals who go above and beyond their duties, support others and set the pace for projects. The MVP features the most polished and “top” merchandise:
- Prizes with character: soft sweatshirts, softshell jackets and solar powerbanks – practical and really useful trophies.
- Matching: from picnic blankets to travel pillows, these are rewards that match employees’ passions and make well-deserved relaxation even more enjoyable.
The effects? The sheer joy of creating merch!
Our collaboration with Astek is more than a client-supplier relationship. It’s about brainstorming together, laughing while creating designs, and enjoying each final product.
Agnieszka Smolenska points out that more and more often the company’s employees themselves are eager to show their achievements and received awards in social media, which is a source of great satisfaction for the organization, as it shows genuine pride in their own successes. He also stresses that the company receives a lot of positive feedback on the quality of its products and their design, which confirms that the joint effort with MerchUp in terms of merchandising and corporate identity was the right decision. As he points out, this has not only succeeded in taking care of the aesthetics, but above all in visibly appreciating the associates.