It’s called the most wonderful time of the year – but millions of over 60’s are facing a completely Silent Night – and Day – this Christmas season, with one in 10 not sure they will speak to anyone across the festive period.
One in 10 over 60’s said they’d gone to a supermarket simply to speak to another person. Worryingly, 42 per cent said their mental health suffered as a result of their lack of interaction with others.
To help offer up more conversations, Asda colleagues and delivery drivers will have the option to add a new element to their uniform: a ‘Happy to Chat’ festive badge to let customers know they’re happy to have a quick chat with them whilst doing their instore shop or if they receive a home delivery.
Asda delivery driver Martin Ganey from the Asda Ellesmere Port store is just one of thousands of colleagues who is supporting the Happy to Chat initiative to let customers who might otherwise be on their own this Christmas know that he’s happy to talk to them while delivering their shopping.
Forty-one-year-old Martin, who joined the business in August, is getting brilliant feedback from his regular customers, including an elderly lady recently after he put away her shopping and then made her a cup of tea when he realised she needed a little extra help.
Martin, who has been nominated for an Asda servicer superstar award for his customer service, said: “I love my job as I love meeting and talking to people. I’m always happy to chat and will always help if I can.
“If the customer wants me to put away their shopping in the fridge or freezer I’ll happily do it. I enjoy having a good chat with the customers – they enjoy it and so do I. And at this time of year it’s so important.”
Lisa Forbes and Ann Thomson are also very familiar faces at the Asda Bridge of Dee store in Scotland, where they’ve clocked up a total of 65 years of service between them. And the pair, who can be found on our customer service desk and kiosk, are always happy to have a chat with customers who’d like to talk.
Lisa, who’s 58 and has worked at the store for 30 years, said: “We are supporting the Happy to Chat initiative and we are both wearing our Happy to Chat badges. I’ve always been a bletherer. There must be something wrong with me if I don’t stop and chat with our customers!
“It does make a big difference because you know that for some of these older customers you may be the only person they see all day. You treat them as you’d want your grandparents or parents to be treated. I just chat about all sorts, I blether away about anything – often about the weather! It’s good to have a laugh, and the world would be a very boring place if you didn’t.”
David Hills, Asda’s chief customer officer, said “Christmas can be a challenging time for everyone, especially those experiencing loneliness. Asda colleagues always make the effort to have a quick chat and raise a smile, and we’re proud to have some of the friendliest home shopping drivers who go over and above for our customers. The Happy to Chat badges are a symbol of the great work they all do – delivering a little kindness along with their groceries to someone who may be lonely or isolated. This year, we want to make sure that whether it’s in our stores, at the doorstep, or out in the community, we try to bring people together this festive season and encourage people across the nation to check in with senior citizens in their communities.”
In addition, Asda’s network of Community Champions will be working with local school children to create Christmas cards for local care homes and those isolated in their communities. Special post boxes will be available in larger stores for customers wishing to get involved. Asda’s famous Winter Warmer £1 meal deal in over 205 cafes has already served over 120,000 this month and the retailer continues to encourage the over 60’s to come and have a hot meal as well as being able to socialise with others.
