A Norwegian approach to buildling company culture
Company culture has become an important reason why people choose to stay or leave a company, with an added emphasis after COVID-19 when everyone was stuck apart. Alongside this, Cegal had a significant merger with Sysco in 2022, further emphasizing the importance of building strong company values and culture. One way Cegal works on this is through Company Sports (Bedriftsidrettslag).
A culture of active living 🏔️
In Norway, the emphasis on work-life balance ⚖️ and the importance of physical health 🏋️ is deeply ingrained in society. This philosophy extends into the workplace, where company sports and physical activities are not just encouraged but often integrated into the corporate structure, demonstrating Norway's unique commitment to well-being. Regardless of their size, Norwegian companies strive to offer various sports and activities to their employees, from skiing and hiking to football and fitness classes, reflecting our rich outdoor tradition and love for sports.
The Norwegian government plays a supportive role in promoting sports and physical activities within the corporate sector. Through various initiatives and policies, it encourages companies to invest in the physical well-being of their employees. For instance, tax incentives for companies that provide gym facilities, support their company sports teams or organize regular physical activities.
At Cegal, we are committed to building an unstoppable culture where people thrive and grow. What better way to build a strong company culture than to foster connections and teamwork in non-work settings, creating a stronger sense of belonging among our team members while promoting a healthier work-life balance?
Emilia Pliszka, Chief People Officer
31 Cegal activity groups in 2024! 🙌
Each year, Cegal sets aside a budget for the company sports teams, which the company sports board distributes amongst its members activities. All employees are free to join the company sports team, which is an official team in the Norwegian Sports Federation (NIF), and then have the opportunity to apply for support for their activities and ideas.
Members are free to be creative 🎨 and may apply for support towards a wide range of ideas that foster activity and social connection. In addition to official sports, this includes office activities such as shuffleboard and table tennis, which encourage employees to take mental breaks throughout the day to meet and socialize in the office.
Think of company sports and activities like the secret ingredience to the unstoppable culture of our workplace. They're not just about taking a break—they're about bonding, boosting morale, and keeping us all energized and connected. It's our daily recipe for a winning team!
Nikola Jovanovic, Software Developer
In 2024, the Cegal Company Sports Team is supporting 31 activity groups in Norway! 🎉 Emilia Pliszka, Chief People Officer and a big company sports supporter underlines how this is an excellent example of how, through company sports, the employees create the culture and shape a supportive work environment and a more resilient and vibrant Cegal.
Current groups: board games, football, Esports, golf, floorball, rock climbing, dodgeball, running, orienteering, padel, squash, yoga, tap dance, mambo dance, heels dance, cross-country skiing, ping pong, tennis, office activities.
Read about how it is to work at Cegal >
Read about how we work with sustainability at Cegal >
Check out some photos from many of our groups all across the country! 💚🖤
