Manutan, a new ‘Active Workplace’ (WAC) certified company

On 19 April, Didier Besseyre, on behalf of the European Federation of Company Sport, awarded the Active Workplace Certification (WAC) to Manutan Group.

The Manutan Group, Europe’s leading BtoB e-commerce company specialising in the distribution of equipment and supplies to businesses and local authorities, places the fulfilment and development of its staff at the heart of its strategy. This is how the Manutan Sports Centre came into being at its Gonesse campus in the Val d’Oise (France).

As well as being an internal success, with more than a quarter of the company’s employees practising at least one of the disciplines on offer, the project has also been rewarded: the Sports Centre was awarded WAC certification last April. Nathalie Cara, Work Environment Manager, explains: “This certification is recognition of our commitment and ongoing investment in developing physical activity in the workplace. It also raises awareness of the importance of sport in the workplace”.

The key to the success of this project? Support and commitment at every level of the company, from the Executive Board of course, but also from human resources, managers and employees.

The Manutan Sports Centre plays a key role in the quality of life at work. It enables everyone to achieve personal fulfilment, to be part of a dynamic of progress and also to strengthen links with our stakeholders through meetings, practices and sharing. We are convinced that sport helps to stimulate the team and to develop a state of mind that is conducive to performance and commitment”.

Caroline Haquet, Group Human Resources Director.

Banque de France joins the “Active Workplace” Community (WAC)

On 4th June 2024, the WAC certification was officially awarded by Musa LAMI, Secretary General of the European Federation for Company Sport, to François VILLEROY de GALHAU, Governor of the Banque de France.

The commitment of the entire Banque de France community, through its network of sports associations, is well established: an assertive sports policy, a diversified daily sports programme, a rich calendar of events, participation in national and international games, and so on.

The day was also rich in exchanges with the presence of many high-level representatives of French sport: Marie-Amélie LE FUR, President of the French Paralympic Committee, David LAPPARTIENT, President of the French Olympic Committee, Marie-Christine OGHLY, Vice-President of the World Federation for Company Sport, Philippe LAMBLIN, President of the Institut des rencontres de la forme. The round table was moderated by Didier BESSEYRE, President of the French, European and World Federations and of the Federation of Banque de France Sports Associations.

#WAC #WorkplaceActiveCertification #Activework

March 14, 2024

On the 14th of March took place the Move At Work’s second conference in Brussels, entitled “Towards Sportive and Eco-Responsible Companies: Presentation of the Projects Run4Div and M@W.” This event was a collaborative effort in partnership with the Run for Diversity project, aiming to delve into the intersection of corporate sports, diversity, and environmental responsibility.

Throughout the conference, attendees had the opportunity to explore the objectives and impact of the Move at Work project, gaining valuable insights into its role in promoting physical activity and inclusivity within corporate settings. The event proved to be an enriching experience, featuring distinguished speakers who shared their expertise and perspectives on these critical topics.

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Among the speakers, we were honored to welcome Floor Van Houdt, Head of the Sport Unit at the EU Commission, and Cedrik Colinet from the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2024. Both speakers offered invaluable insights into the ongoing efforts and priorities of the Commission and the Belgian Presidency regarding sport and physical activity. They highlighted the pivotal role of sport in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within corporate environments, emphasising its potential to drive positive change on a societal level.

The conference provided a platform for fruitful discussions and exchanges of ideas, with participants engaging in dialogue on strategies to promote active lifestyles, encourage diversity, and enhance environmental sustainability within companies. By bringing together stakeholders from various sectors, the event facilitated collaboration and synergy, laying the groundwork for future initiatives aimed at creating healthier, more inclusive workplaces.

(Left to Right) Teresa Garcia Pastor – Chantal Collet – Peter Busuttil

As the Move At Work project continues to advance its mission, events like these serve as catalysts for change, inspiring collective action and driving progress towards a more sportive, diverse, and eco-responsible corporate landscape. Stay tuned for more updates on our ongoing efforts to promote corporate wellness and sustainability.

Brussels, March 14-15, 2024

On the 14 and 15th of March, partners of the Move At Work project held their 5th steering committee meeting in Brussels, hosted at the offices of FESI and Sport & Citizenship. The meeting served as a pivotal moment for partners to assess the project’s advancement and prepare for forthcoming initiatives.

Among the key agenda items was the comprehensive review of the criteria for the WAC certification. Leveraging the expertise of partners such as the European Federation For Company Sport, the University of Copenhagen, and Evaleo, the consortium refined the certification process to ensure its efficacy and relevance in promoting workplace activity.

EFCS also announced the certification of the first company of the year in March, marking a commendable achievement in fostering active and healthy workplaces.

A notable contribution emerged from Copenhagen’s University, which presented a comprehensive report on the evaluation and measurement of the impact of physical activity policies within companies. This insightful study promises to equip the consortium with valuable tools to aid companies, institutions, and employees in promoting physical activity within the workplace.

Looking ahead, the consortium outlined ambitious plans for its major end-of-project initiative: the development of a website and a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) aimed at both newcomers and experts in the field of corporate sports. With a vision of creating a sustainable tool that can be used at the European level, the platform seeks to promote and facilitate corporate sports participation across the continent.

Following the steering committee meeting, the consortium participated in the conference titled “Towards Sportive and Eco-Responsible Companies: Presentation of the Run4Div and M@W Projects,” in partnership with the RunforDiv project. This collaborative effort underscores the partners’ commitment to promoting physical activity while also advocating for environmental sustainability within the corporate sector.

As the Move At Work project continues to evolve and expand its reach, stakeholders are encouraged to stay engaged and informed about upcoming developments. With a shared dedication to fostering active and healthy workplaces, the consortium remains steadfast in its mission to promote corporate wellness throughout Europe.

Our next meetings will take place in May 2024!

Stay tuned