Meet our well-being managers Janne Britt, Kate, and Iben

In organizations that thrive on employees' expertise, it is crucial to have a positive culture where people enjoy themselves, are engaged, and want to do their best. At NOVA, we take this seriously and therefore have three Well-being Managers who are passionate about this.

Being a Well-being Manager is a privileged and rewarding job, says Janne Britt. As Well-being Managers, we work with all the companies in NOVA and know the employees across the board, adds Kate. In the role of Well-being Manager, we get to know the employees well and how we can contribute and facilitate offerings that make NOVA the best workplace in the world, she says.

- To retain the great minds, the best people, you have to stand out as a workplace, also socially, they say. Since the beginning, our employees have been able to invite their significant others to both the Christmas party and our annual trips. With two events a year, partners also get the opportunity to get to know their loved ones' colleagues, and the sense of belonging becomes even greater. Then the partner at home actually knows who you're talking about, says Janne Britt. We also organize NOVA family days throughout the year where our employees can bring their families to Tusenfryd and other festivities. We want to show that we appreciate those at home too.

Kate has a bachelor's degree in nutrition and puts her whole heart into cooking.

When NOVA moved into new premises, we agreed that the canteen should not be called a canteen. Here, employees are served homemade food as if you are at a bistro. Yes, you heard right - a bistro. Food is so much, it is nourishment for the body, culture, identity, and it is social. It is highly valued in the company, she says. And continues; at NOVA, we have moved away from traditional lunch service. The food served to our employees should be nutritious and made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients. We have also introduced meat-free Wednesdays. Thinking sustainably, also when it comes to food, is important when working in a large corporation.

The bistro in Lysgården is also a natural gathering point at the office. Janne Britt and Kate talk about meetups, professional evenings, social events, and seminars that are held here. Ever since our first company, Epinova, was started in 2007, we have also had quizzes as a regular activity during lunch, they say. The quiz is a fun gathering point during an otherwise busy workday.

At NOVA, we have a healthy relationship with activity and diet. In addition to being a nutritionist, Kate is a trained personal trainer and holds weekly stretches and activities throughout the year to focus on physical activity among our employees.

- The job as a consultant involves a lot of time in front of the screen, and it's easy to forget to take breaks throughout the day, whether you're at home or in the office. That's why I hold weekly sessions where we stretch and flex tight muscle groups. It's good for the body and soul, while also giving the eyes a break from the screen, says Kate.

Janne Britt is responsible for NOVA's events and trips. At NOVA, all the companies have an annual trip to build community and culture.

- My best memory is our trip to Galdhøpiggen on a windless day in September, says Janne Britt, recounting a trip Epinova had a few years ago. Almost the entire company made it to the top of Norway's highest mountain, and we got to take a spectacular group photo. On such trips, a unique fellowship develops. This is a tradition that everyone appreciates, she says.