The pandemic has impacted many of us, in so many ways. And while IGEL works tirelessly to support the work from home needs of businesses, worldwide, the employees of IGEL – like so many of us – wanted to remain connected, while working apart.

This inspired two IGEL employees to expand their own project to remain connected, motivated and healthy.

The Start of IGEL Runs

In 2020, Fredrik Brattstig, IGEL Technology Evangelist in EMEA, challenged Timo Siedenberg, IGEL Vice President of Customer Operations, to run 1,200 KM (746 miles) during the year. Fredrik met the challenge, achieving the target early on October 31. But not only was the challenge full of competitive spirit, it proved to connect the two IGEL employees in a motivating and empowering way that bridged the divide that was created by travel and work limitations due to COVID-19.

Following their success in 2020, the passionate runners wanted to expand the program to other IGEL employees to build connection, inspire health and give back. As a result, Fredrik and Timo launched IGEL Runs in 2021 for all IGEL employees – worldwide.

The Challenge: Reach 1,200 KM by December 31

Using the popular tracking app Strava, IGEL Runs motivates IGEL employees to run or walk their way to health and connection throughout 2021. Each participating employee has been challenged to reach 1,200 KM between January 1 and December 31 and those who meet the goal will receive an official IGEL Runs running jacket.

But the program is offering even more to be inspired by. IGEL will donate 1€ for every 10KM (6.2 miles) to the employee’s chosen charity – including UNICEF, Amnesty International and others.

This has really gotten IGEL employees moving! IGEL Runs has 86 active participants, and the supplemental program IGEL Moves (for cycling, swimming, walking, and so on) has another 130 employees engaged. Together these programs, as of the end of April, had already covered 13,785KM (8,566 miles) and earned 1,379€.

Motivation, One Step at a Time

The program has not only motivated IGEL employees to stay healthy and well during a challenging time, it’s also brought them together. Participants in multiple countries engage and encourage each other on the Strava platform. It’s helped build teams, make new friends and unite in a global program of charitable giving.

“IGEL Runs is the perfect way to do something for your own health, stay in contact and challenge colleagues and finally a charity organization will benefit from the achievements,” said Timo Siedenberg. “Is there a better motivation?”

As IGEL Runs and moves throughout 2021, the company continues to showcase its vision to transform the way the world works – creating better outcomes for people, organizations and our planet. It’s what we #Believe and we’re demonstrating it, one step at a time. #IGELRuns

The post IGEL Runs: Inspiring Wellness and Togetherness, While Apart appeared first on IGEL.

Over the past year, I’m proud to share that the women at IGEL have helped mark some significant milestones for the company including (but certainly not limited to) the following:

• We’ve helped start a number of talented women’s careers including extending full time positions to women who have been IGEL interns
• We’ve added two women to IGEL’s Executive Leadership Team for the first time
• We’ve dramatically increased the number of women in VP and director roles – both through new hires and promotions
• We’ve had two women join the ranks of IGEL regional sales managers in North America
• And, multiple IGEL women have been recognized with awards and achievements and have represented IGEL at important events, promoting gender diversity and opportunity for women

Now, on International Women’s Day 2020 – this day of celebrating women and raising awareness against bias – the women of IGEL share their inspirational thoughts on why an equal world is an enabled world. I invite you to join me in celebrating women’s achievements and encourage you to help take action for women’s equality. It’s part of the fabric of IGEL. #EachforEqual.

 Gender equality starts within the family: the same opportunities and access to education should be given to daughters AND sons! Everyone should have equal opportunities and pay, regardless of age, religion, race, gender, background and wealth.” – Anita Siemen, Assistant to the CEO and COO and Anne Perratt, Accountant

I’ve never once thought I couldn’t do something because I’m a woman. Stop hoping, dreaming and wishing for it…just work for it!” – Amy Cannon, Executive Administrator

At IGEL, diversity and gender equality are always top of mind. From the hiring process to performance reviews and promotions, our team is focused on driving initiatives that raise awareness and promote equality in the workplace.” – Enit Nichani, Vice President Marketing US and Global Events

A strong woman stands up for herself. A stronger woman stands up for everybody else, irrespective of gender, race, culture. Let’s all be #EachforEqual. Now.” – Patrizia Fioretti, Vice President Channel EMEA

Gender equality is when we consider people as human, treat them fairly as human, relate with them as human and give them their right to live as human and not based on their gender belonging. As long as the heart is in the right place, I don’t care about gender, color or social status!” – Anna Rohwer, Assistant to the Senior VP Sales EMEA

Gender equality means women and men enjoy the same opportunities, rights, and obligations in all spheres of life.  We must be all equally heard, seen, and valued.” – Nicole Simons, Chief of Staff

Every man, woman, and child deserve equal rights, equal opportunities, equal dignity without discrimination.” – Kim Tran, Accounting Manager

Being a part of such an innovative and disruptive technology company like IGEL, it’s important to see leadership be supportive of its women employees.  It’s been great to see IGEL’s female leadership team grow through external hiring and internal promotion.  That’s a big part of why I joined this awesome company!” – Jill Archer, Director of System Integrators

I stand with so many others and continue the fight so my baby girls can enter a workforce where there is equal pay and opportunity for women!” – Kimberly Nicola, Senior Marketing Manager

Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise..” Proverbs 31:31a NIV – Abigail Arcilla, Graphic Designer

“A gender equal world means being respected for what I do and the way I do it at work. So let’s gather our competencies treat yourself and others with respect for better business outcome and a much better world to live in!” – Angelika Straub, Marketing Director DACH

“To me, gender equality means that the things that will define me and my possibilities for the future are based on my personality and my own decisions and not on a thing that I wasn’t able to choose.” – Jenny K., Accountant

“With gender equality, everyone is treated as if gender is of no significance. We are all valued as individuals, and respected as much for our differences as for our similarities.” – Lori Thompson, Chief People Officer

“’Equality may perhaps be a right, but no power on earth can ever turn it into a fact. – Honore de Balzac’ Is that right? Apart from days like the International Women’s Day, let us work every day to make our society more equal – every step counts! Believe in an equal community!!” – Petra Einspenner, Senior Director of HR Services, EMEA

“Gender equality is not just about women, it’s about humans. Rights, responsibilities, opportunities and power should be achievable for all humans.” – Paula Kamenz, Human Resources Assistant

“”No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” –Eleanor Roosevelt” – Alona Kremko, director of Inside Presales

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