The pandemic brought ERGO teams into nature, and now they have been hiking together for three years
After the pandemic, ERGO organized 14 hiking events in 2021 for its various departments. These events included survival training, canoeing, e-fatbiking, and bogshoe hikes in different parts of Estonia. All these team events were made even more special with delicious meals from our forest restaurant. A total of 170 people participated, and their feedback clearly showed that the planned activities were successful: they brought colleagues back together and provided a welcome escape from everyday stress.
A year later, Wanderlust guide Jaana led the ERGO Tartu team on a night hike by lantern light through a green area on the city outskirts. In 2023, we once again organized six events for ERGO across Estonia. Based on this, we can confidently say that the ERGO teams have developed a positive habit of enjoying nature together.
But what do they have to say themselves? We asked ERGO HR partner Marju Kuusik how hiking has impacted their teams.
1. HOW DID THE IDEA TO ORGANIZE HIKING EVENTS FOR ALL ERGO TEAMS COME ABOUT?
After a long Covid period, we wanted to offer something fun for our people, a chance to come together and spend time outdoors.
2. WHAT DID THE ERGO HIKING SERIES LOOK LIKE, AND HOW WAS IT DIFFERENT FROM YOUR TEAM’S USUAL EVENTS?
We let our teams choose the activities they preferred to do with their group, so the hiking series included a variety of activities. Choices included guided hiking, canoeing, fatbiking, bogshoeing, and more, all followed by a delicious meal prepared by the forest restaurant in the grilling area. We had never done anything like this before.
3. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WORK WITH WANDERLUST FOR THE HIKING SERIES?
We received good recommendations, and after learning more about what you offer and meeting with you, it didn’t take long to realize this would be an awesome collaboration 😊
4. HOW WERE THE ACTIVITIES AND ROUTES CHOSEN TO SUIT THE ERGO TEAMS?
Team leaders, in collaboration with their teams, decided which activities were enjoyable and suitable for them. If we had any questions or needed clarification regarding the content, we could always reach out to you to make adjustments as needed.
5. WHAT IMPACT DID THE HIKING SERIES HAVE ON YOUR ORGANIZATION?
We can confidently say it had a very positive effect. We haven’t received this much positive feedback for any team activity in a long time 😊 People were genuinely satisfied, both with the hiking activities, the professionalism of the guide, and the exciting trails and locations.
6. WOULD YOU RECOMMEND OTHER COMPANIES TO CONSIDER ORGANIZING A HIKING SERIES FOR THEIR TEAMS?
It’s a truly great activity to do with teams. With so many options to choose from, everyone will find something enjoyable and suitable for their group. Plus, the friendly guides and an enjoyable day are guaranteed! 😊 We’ve worked together several times, and it’s always been a pleasure, with new discoveries and great emotions every time!
ERGO Contact Center team on a canoe trip
This is how the HR partner responded, who was also involved in organizing the events. We are happy that ERGO’s goals were achieved through the hikes and that in the coming years, they will continue to spend time together in nature under our guidance. But how did the participants themselves describe the hikes?
“I want to thank both the internal ERGO organizer and the Wanderlust guide. It was a truly exciting experience, full of laughter, a bit of self-challenge, and the discovery of new places and experiences. A sincere thank you! And I’m convinced again that ERGO colleagues are the best in the world. Corona didn’t change that one bit!” – Bogshoe hike participant
“An excellent bog hike and the later catering was also fantastic. Signe is a superb guide. I learned new and interesting things—she kept a great pace, and it was clear she loves what she does. The food was also amazing—kudos to the chef!” – Snowshoe hike participant
“There should be more out-of-office training sessions like this.” – E-fatbike participant
“Eating together outdoors was a lot of fun. Especially nice was that the table was set up like in a restaurant—a great solution for dining together.” – E-fatbike participant
“It was very exciting. Usually, we sit all day during training, but this time we got plenty of movement.” – E-fatbike participant
If your goal is to bring teams together and encourage communication away from the work environment and everyday stress, our hiking series is just for you. Write to us, and let’s plan an exciting hiking series for the coming summer and fall!
Share this post with others.
Start planning your event with us.
Read more of our posts.