{"id":52911,"date":"2026-03-04T10:21:13","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T09:21:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/case-study\/astek-x-merchup-more-than-corporate-merch-its-the-energy-that-drives-the-team\/"},"modified":"2026-03-13T16:22:53","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T15:22:53","slug":"astek-x-merchup-more-than-corporate-merch-its-the-energy-that-drives-the-team","status":"publish","type":"case_study","link":"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/en\/case-study\/astek-x-merchup-more-than-corporate-merch-its-the-energy-that-drives-the-team\/","title":{"rendered":"Astek \u00d7 MerchUp: more than corporate merch, it&#8217;s the energy that drives the team!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In many companies, merch is simply gadgets &#8211; 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&#8217;s part of an organizational culture that helps integrate a dispersed IT team and fosters a sense of belonging.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/en\/case-study\/astek-x-merchup-more-than-corporate-merch-its-the-energy-that-drives-the-team\/#technology-people-and-a-pace-that-doesnt-slow-down\" >Technology, people and a pace that doesn&#8217;t slow down<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/en\/case-study\/astek-x-merchup-more-than-corporate-merch-its-the-energy-that-drives-the-team\/#from-gadget-to-strategy-design-that-spins\" >From gadget to strategy: design that spins<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/en\/case-study\/astek-x-merchup-more-than-corporate-merch-its-the-energy-that-drives-the-team\/#three-scenarios-thousands-of-positive-emotions\" >Three scenarios, thousands of positive emotions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/en\/case-study\/astek-x-merchup-more-than-corporate-merch-its-the-energy-that-drives-the-team\/#the-effects-the-sheer-joy-of-creating-merch\" >The effects? The sheer joy of creating merch!<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"technology-people-and-a-pace-that-doesnt-slow-down\"><\/span><strong>Technology, people and a pace that doesn&#8217;t slow down  <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/astek.pl\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Astek<\/a> 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.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"merchup-block-gallery merchup-block-gallery--grid\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MerchUp-x-Astek-25-2048x3072.webp\" class=\"merchup-block-gallery-item big\" data-fancybox=\"merchup-block-gallery-2a8fb9440d4599001afab7db7a3483ce\" data-thumb=\"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MerchUp-x-Astek-25-96x72.webp\" title=\"Show full image\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MerchUp-x-Astek-25-397x588.webp\" alt=\"Butelka na wod\u0119\" width=\"397\" height=\"588\" loading=\"lazy\">\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MerchUp-x-Astek-13-2048x1366.webp\" class=\"merchup-block-gallery-item small\" data-fancybox=\"merchup-block-gallery-2a8fb9440d4599001afab7db7a3483ce\" data-thumb=\"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MerchUp-x-Astek-13-96x72.webp\" title=\"Show full image\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MerchUp-x-Astek-13-397x289.webp\" alt=\"Firmowy merch Astek\" width=\"397\" height=\"289\" loading=\"lazy\">\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MerchUp-19-1-2048x2048.webp\" class=\"merchup-block-gallery-item small-2\" data-fancybox=\"merchup-block-gallery-2a8fb9440d4599001afab7db7a3483ce\" data-thumb=\"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MerchUp-19-1-96x72.webp\" title=\"Show full image\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MerchUp-19-1-397x289.webp\" alt=\"Plecak roll top\" width=\"397\" height=\"289\" loading=\"lazy\">\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"merchup-block-quote\">\n\t<div class=\"merchup-block-quote__content\">We knew one thing: we wanted to give our experts something that would make them feel part of the team &#8211; whether they work from Warsaw, Krakow or Poznan. Merch was to support our business goals in a light and engaging way. <\/div>\n\t<div class=\"merchup-block-quote__author\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Agnieszka-Smolenska-Astek.png\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"name\">Agnieszka Smolenska<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"company\">Marketing Manager at Astek<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"from-gadget-to-strategy-design-that-spins\"><\/span><strong>From gadget to strategy: design that spins<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Astek&#8217;s brand book is based on gradients, custom typography and a distinctive color palette. Designing the collection was based on the slogan &#8220;no boredom&#8221; and the whole process was pure fun for the Astek team. At MerchUp, we took care of transferring these ideas to reality.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"merchup-block-quote\">\n\t<div class=\"merchup-block-quote__content\">With demanding branding, every detail counts; a gradient, typography or custom color. It is crucial to select a marking technology that will maintain consistency with the corporate identity, without compromising on product quality. <\/div>\n\t<div class=\"merchup-block-quote__author\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2-3.png\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"name\">Alexander Paczek<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"company\">Co-founder of MerchUp<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>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 &#8211; not only in the office, but also at home office, away or after work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"merchup-block-quote\">\n\t<div class=\"merchup-block-quote__content\">Our team appreciates the fact that we work with environmentally responsible brands. Feedback about choosing a supplier that sews in Poland, with good quality materials, is very important to us. This shows that we care not only about style, but also about values.  <\/div>\n\t<div class=\"merchup-block-quote__author\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Katarzyna-Kowalska-Astek.png\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"name\">Katarzyna Kowalska<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"company\">Marketing Officer at Astek<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"three-scenarios-thousands-of-positive-emotions\"><\/span><strong>Three scenarios, thousands of positive emotions<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Welcome pack: &#8220;Hi to the team!&#8221; with WOW effect<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Onboarding at Astek is more than a series of presentations. It&#8217;s the first moment a new person is expected to feel that he or she is really joining the team. That&#8217;s why there&#8217;s a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/en\/thematic-category\/welcome-pack-en\/\">welcome pack<\/a> waiting for her right at the start, a pack that says in simple terms: &#8220;It&#8217;s good that you&#8217;re here.&#8221;  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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: &#8220;this is my place.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"735\" height=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MerchUp-x-Astek-13-1-735x490.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50380\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MerchUp-x-Astek-13-1-735x490.webp 735w, https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MerchUp-x-Astek-13-1-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MerchUp-x-Astek-13-1-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MerchUp-x-Astek-13-1-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MerchUp-x-Astek-13-1-2048x1366.webp 2048w, https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MerchUp-x-Astek-13-1-122x81.webp 122w, https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MerchUp-x-Astek-13-1-100x67.webp 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Employee Advocacy: gamification that draws you in!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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&#8217;s daily activities. The implemented system, based on game mechanics, allows earning points for, among other things:   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>expert content creation,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Social media activity (e.g. LinkedIn),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Participation in webinars and industry events.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"merchup-block-quote\">\n\t<div class=\"merchup-block-quote__content\">Employees love to compete for the best collection drops. It motivates them to build their personal brand, and for the company it means real outreach and building business awareness. <\/div>\n\t<div class=\"merchup-block-quote__author\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Agnieszka-Smolenska-Astek.png\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"name\">Agnieszka Smolenska<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"company\">Marketing Manager at Astek<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. MVP: Trophies for Champions.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Most Valuable Player<\/strong> 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 &#8220;top&#8221; merchandise: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Prizes with character:<\/strong> soft <a href=\"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/en\/products\/clothing\/hoodies\/sweatshirt-kangaroo-merchup\/\">sweatshirts<\/a>, softshell jackets and solar powerbanks &#8211; practical and really useful trophies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Matching:<\/strong> from picnic blankets to travel pillows, these are rewards that match employees&#8217; passions and make well-deserved relaxation even more enjoyable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"merchup-block-gallery merchup-block-gallery--columns\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MerchUp-x-Astek-4-2048x3072.webp\" class=\"merchup-block-gallery-item big\" data-fancybox=\"merchup-block-gallery-bb7dd46cf5a95889bf0a782bf97ab8f4\" data-thumb=\"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MerchUp-x-Astek-4-96x72.webp\" title=\"Show full image\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MerchUp-x-Astek-4-397x588.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"397\" height=\"588\" loading=\"lazy\">\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MerchUp-x-Astek-6-2048x3072.webp\" class=\"merchup-block-gallery-item small\" data-fancybox=\"merchup-block-gallery-bb7dd46cf5a95889bf0a782bf97ab8f4\" data-thumb=\"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MerchUp-x-Astek-6-96x72.webp\" title=\"Show full image\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/MerchUp-x-Astek-6-397x588.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"397\" height=\"588\" loading=\"lazy\">\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"the-effects-the-sheer-joy-of-creating-merch\"><\/span><strong>The effects? The sheer joy of creating merch! <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Our collaboration with Astek is more than a client-supplier relationship. It&#8217;s about brainstorming together, laughing while creating designs, and enjoying each final product. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Agnieszka Smolenska points out that more and more often the company&#8217;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.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<\/div> <!-- .single-content__left -->\n\t\t<\/div> <!-- .single-content-row -->\n\t<\/div> <!-- .container -->\n\n<aside class=\"merchup-block-cta\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Let&#8217;s talk about your merch<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\">Contact us<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"http:\/\/merchup.com\/kontakt\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Send a message<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/aside>\n<div class=\"container\">\n\t<div class=\"single-content-row row\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-content__left col-md-6 col-md-offset-1 col-lg-offset-2\">\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Merch, which supports three key processes: onboarding, employee advocacy and the MVP recognition program.  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":51822,"template":"","tags":[157,168,158],"case-category":[155],"class_list":["post-52911","case_study","type-case_study","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-eb-en","tag-gifts_for_employees","tag-onboarding-en","case-category-employer-branding-en"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/case_study\/52911","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/case_study"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/case_study"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/29"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/51822"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52911"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=52911"},{"taxonomy":"case-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.merchup.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/case-category?post=52911"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}