“Everything that we can do to support our city, we should do and will do.”

Shell UK Upstream has recently moved its offices to Union Street in Aberdeen, with over 1000 employees across both onshore and offshore operations. The office includes operational, functional and support staff.

Julie Barlow, Real Estate Operations Manager at Shell, told us how they use the Aberdeen Gift Card to reward and incentivise their employees:

What rewards/incentives does Shell offer?

“We’ve recently moved from an industrial site in Aberdeen to the city centre, which has been a huge change for Shell. Shell has a global remuneration scheme with some slight differences across regions. Amongst our rewards and incentives in the UK, we have a discount scheme and around Christmas time, or for leavers/long term rewards we may give out something like a voucher.

What are your key objectives for your employee rewards/incentives?

“Our main objectives are staff recognition and retention. Previously, we’ve used John Lewis vouchers. Now, we often use the Aberdeen Gift Card for Christmas rewards, and to thank staff upon leaving Shell. With our recent move into the city centre, we put together a welcome pack for staff, with all staff members receiving an Aberdeen Gift Card -encouraging them to go out and experience some of the local retailers. Some of our team had never ventured into the city centre, so it was a good incentive for them to explore so much of what Aberdeen has to offer.” 

Why did you choose Town & City Gift Cards?

“We chose the Aberdeen Gift card (part of the Town & City Gift Card concept) because it’s a local initiative that supports local businesses, and is great for the city. There are a huge range of businesses that have signed up to the Aberdeen Gift Card, so there are lots of options for staff to spend the card, including major retailers and local independent businesses. It’s a really good mix and there is something for everybody, right across the age range of our staff.

“Shell has been in Aberdeen for over 40 years, and acting as a positive part of the community is crucial to us. We all need to play our part in keeping our city as lively and lovely as it is. Many cities are really struggling, everything that we can do to support our city, we should do and will do.”

What was your experience of using Town & City Gift Cards?

“We have ordered the Aberdeen Gift Card online and we’ve also picked up the card from the Bon Accord Centre if needed. It has been a straightforward process and I often recommend the Aberdeen Gift Card to other contacts with staff in the city.”

What feedback have you received?

“Some staff have used the Aberdeen Gift Card in restaurants, others have used it to go shopping, some have even given them to their children to spend. It has been a really appreciated gift for our team that caters for a variety of ages and interests.”

Place a Town & City Gift Cards business order today!