He just started the polonaise from out of nowhere

I don’t think I could have found a better team. We have tonnes of fun and everyone is really open. As the only non-Dutch person, it’s been cool to see how they have “adopted” me. However, the atmosphere wouldn’t be the same without my manager Rob…

He invited me to the team’s weekly high-intensity interval training session – the Fashion Workout – at Vanderlande’s office gym, which I was keen to do. After six months, my colleague who was leading the workout was going on maternity leave and asked me if I wanted to lead the session. “Awesome, I’d love to do it!” I thought to myself, as I used to train people when I was at university.

And it was during one of the classes around Carnaval time that Rob’s importance to the team was highlighted… we were doing the “high knees” exercise, when he just started the polonaise from out of nowhere. He grabbed some people, they joined in, and it was so funny!

This also reinforces how important it is to have a break from work during the day. It’s awesome to wind down and sweat it out together, so that you’re revitalised for the afternoon. Bonding with the team is cool – and so important for our culture.

The Fashion Workout has helped me to open up, and now everyone can see more of my personality. And it’s not just me that benefits, it has become a kind of networking event and a real ice breaker for those who attend.

Polonaise = a traditional Dutch Carnaval dance, in which people form a chain and then move together in a winding, serpentine-like manner.