Happy employees make happy customers, and happy customers buy a little bit more.
Emilie Greve Falbe-Hansen
PR and Communications Manager at Carl Ras
Staying united during uncertainty
Before 2020, all company information was shared through SharePoint, which made it difficult for many employees—20% of whom only used mobile devices or tablets—to access important documents and updates. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the company faced the additional challenge of communicating quickly and effectively with their team members, many of whom were working remotely.
Twelve days into the COVID lockdown, Carl Ras realized how hard it was to reach all employees and track who was receiving or reading information. The company decided it was time to try a different approach. Working alongside Relesys, they launched an employee app, giving their team access to key company information and news. Five days after its launch, 80% of the employees had already logged into the app, demonstrating how critical it was for the business to have a dedicated place for its employees.
Initially, employees used the app to share how they were spending their days in lockdown—puzzles, free time activities, and more. However as this became overwhelming and less relevant to the business, the founder took a different approach. Every Friday, he posted an authentic, unscripted video offering his perspective on the pandemic and the company's response. These videos resonated with employees, providing a much-needed sense of connection and reassurance during an uncertain time.
Strengthening communication and engagement
By February 2021, Carl Ras had fully replaced SharePoint with their Relesys app, designed to mirror the company’s unique branding. Today, the app serves as the company’s main communication hub, with the news module being the most important feature. Employees across all departments can post news and stay updated with:
- Monthly video updates from the management team
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Sales and campaign announcements
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Product highlights
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HR and personnel news
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IT support impacting daily operations
- PR, communication, and branding updates
The app offers a direct line of sight into the management team, fostering a more transparent and open environment. Employees now have closer access to the leadership team and stay well-informed on company happenings.
Our employees are the heart of our company, and ensuring they feel connected, valued, and informed is crucial to our success. The Relesys app has been instrumental in making communication more accessible, allowing us to engage everyone—from office to warehouse workers to consultants—no matter where they are. It’s more than just a tool; it’s a platform that fosters belonging and helps us maintain a positive, unified culture.
Ulrik Skovgaard-Mortensen
HR Partner at Carl Ras
One standout feature is the Skurvognen module, inspired by the term used in the construction industry for a small trailer or mobile unit on-site. This section allows employees to reach out for assistance, share professional knowledge, and engage with colleagues from different departments. Additionally, there’s a dedicated area for social engagement—whether it’s sharing jokes, promoting social events, or highlighting positive initiatives outside the company. Even though employees are spread across various locations, they can now foster camaraderie and build relationships.
Engaging through gamification
To keep things fun and engaging, Carl Ras uses gamification within the app, creating competitions and themes around holidays. For example, during the Christmas season, employees compete against each other in a Christmas-themed challenge, with leadership also taking part. Employees get involved by guessing which leader won each activity, creating a playful and interactive atmosphere.
Other popular activities include Easter egg hunts and Halloween games, which not only entertain employees but also strengthen company culture and encourage people to get to know their colleagues better.
The mix of relevant content, delivered at the right time and paired with gamification, brings between 86% to 96% of the team to the app daily.
Moving forward: knowledge and collaboration
Coming up next, Carl Ras will introduce new app features aimed at deepening employees' understanding of the company. The upcoming knowledge module will focus on educating employees about the company’s eight different business areas. There will also be a contact area list, where employees can quickly look up who is responsible for various tasks and learn more about their colleagues' skills.
With these new features, the family-owned company is set to continue empowering their employees to feel connected, informed, and supported as they work toward their corporate goals—including their commitment to becoming CO2 neutral by 2030.
A commitment to happiness and sustainability
At the heart of Carl Ras’ success is their people. The company’s commitment to employee happiness and engagement is not only reflected in their award as Denmark’s Best Workplace, but also in their innovative use of technology to unite a diverse workforce. By using the Relesys app to share authentic content, encourage collaboration, and make communication more accessible, Carl Ras has created a sense of belonging that stretches across all 22 locations.
And as they move forward with new app modules and their ambitious sustainability goals, one thing is clear: Carl Ras is a company that not only cares about its employees but also about making a lasting, positive impact on society and the environment.
Want to learn more about how Relesys can help your brand connect more meaningfully with employees? Check out our client stories.
