Under the motto ‘Fit Around the Clock’, KlokGroep focuses on the health and vitality of its employees through various activities and initiatives. Employees are also encouraged to take the lead themselves. Participation in the Strong Viking event with a team from KlokGroep is one such initiative, inspired by an enthusiastic colleague. During the Mud Edition in Wijchen, the time had come, and together they lined up at the starting line!
Warming-Up
The day started with a warming-up session. On the grounds of Berendonck in Wijchen, the notorious Strong Viking instructor Cynthia was ready to prepare the participants for the challenge with an effective warm-up. The real challenge began with a high wall that each participant had to climb over, followed by numerous other obstacles that most people could only overcome by working together effectively. And that’s what challenges like Strong Viking are all about: teamwork.
Teamwork
For most colleagues, it was a serious challenge; especially the last mile proved to be the toughest. But as team players, the ‘Klokkers’ managed to cross the finish line together. Afterwards, they celebrated their success with a cold beer, as that too is part of the experience.
We spoke briefly with Jelte, the initiator who got all the colleagues excited:
Who took the initiative and why?
As KlokGroep, we have been participating in Strong Viking for a few years now. I have been taking part myself for years, but I had never experienced it with colleagues before. This year, I thought it would be a fun idea, so I took the initiative to get my colleagues excited about this sportive challenge. We ended up with a great group of 16 people at the starting line.
Why would you want to participate with your colleagues?
Strong Viking is a fun activity to get to know your colleagues in a different way. KlokGroep organizes multiple sportive events, but Strong Viking is a unique event where you step out of your comfort zone a bit more—especially with the Mud Edition! This event returns to the roots of KlokGroep; it’s about getting your feet dirty, showing courage, and working together. To reach the finish line, you need to cooperate and push through to the end. That embodies KlokGroep.
What was the best part of the day?
It’s hard to pick just one best moment because the entire day was fantastic. If I had to choose, I’d say it was really fun to see your colleagues slogging through the mud while you were doing the same. Moreover, it was great to see how the group kept motivating each other to reach the finish line. Afterwards, having a beer together and reminiscing about all the memories and moments was the perfect end to the day.
Do you have any tips for other companies/colleagues?
As a company, it’s always fun to participate in activities with colleagues from time to time. Strong Viking is an ideal event for taking on a challenge as a team. In the weeks leading up to the event, it becomes a well-discussed topic, and you motivate each other to work out and train. It strengthens your bond, so you’ll likely support each other more in the workplace as well. In short, it connects and motivates. Don’t overthink it—just go for it!
About KlokGroep
KlokGroep, based in Nijmegen, consists of four affiliates active as developers and builders in the real estate sector: Van de Klok, Novaform, Heilijgers and Adriaan van Erk.
The diversity and knowledge of these companies is our strength. Because we operate in Germany, Poland and almost all regions in the Netherlands, we know the market well and know where opportunities lie. Together, we take on challenges and address major accommodation issues. With a strong financial basis, strength and with an eye for people and the environment. Parent company KlokGroep is the connecting link between the four affiliates.
As KlokGroep, we sponsor various local and international initiatives, associations and (sports) events. The most visible support is the sponsorship of football club N.E.C. in Nijmegen since 2019. KlokGroep has been the main sponsor and our name – at least until 2029 – proudly shows on the N.E.C. jersey.
Health and vitality
Throughout the year, we invest in our employees’ vitality and working pleasure. In September, we add to this with our ‘Healthy Clock Month’. This is when exercise and healthy living take centre stage. Think of Padel competitions, Klok Social Ride; touring bike rides organised for and by colleagues, basketball clinics and, last but not least, the Strong Viking Mud Edition. Besides organising sporting events, vitality is checked via an annual preventive medical examination. You can participate in this voluntarily as a colleague. This way, you know where you stand with your health and vitality. It is important that you feel good about yourself.
Despite its growth to 500 employees divided over various operating companies, KlokGroep is an organisation with an informal working atmosphere, short lines and a large dose of guts. We know where to find each other when necessary, we dare to stick our necks out by asking but also by saying what we think and feel. That way, we achieve our goals together and that also reflects on your results.