-
Strategy
At Bergner, we know that team spirit isn’t built solely in meetings or projects, it’s also strengthened in the small moments we share outside of our routines. During a movie screening in the showroom, a padel match, or any activity that connects us on a human level, beyond work.
Today, we speak with six people who make all of that happen, who propose and organize through one of the most active committees in the company: Ana Gayarre, Marta Gayarre, Paloma Lahuerta, Pablo Martínez de la Huerta, Fernando Navas, and Sonia Sánchez, members of the Culture and Sports Committee at Bergner Europe.
What sports activities have been organized so far in 2025? Which one was the most well-received?
From the Culture and Sports Committee at BERGNER EUROPE S.L., we have carried out several initiatives aimed at promoting participation, camaraderie, and well-being among employees. So far, we have taken part in the Solidarity Padel Tournament organized by the NGO Cooperación Internacional in Zaragoza, an activity that successfully combined sport and social impact. We also organized a more cultural event, with the screening of the film Conclave in our Showroom, which allowed us to enjoy a different experience we plan to repeat.
Without a doubt, the most well-received activity was the internal company Padel Tournament, with over 30 employees participating. It was a very dynamic and engaging day that created a fantastic atmosphere among colleagues.
Would you share a fun or unexpected anecdote from any committee activity?
One of the funniest anecdotes happened during our internal padel tournament. At the end of the matches, we held a raffle with various company products. It was especially amusing to see the spontaneous reactions of colleagues when they won certain items, there was constant laughter! These moments, shared outside the usual work environment, truly help strengthen team bonds and a positive atmosphere.
How does the committee coordinate to propose and execute both cultural and sports activities?
Within the Culture and Sports Committee, we meet monthly to put forward all kinds of proposals, from cultural events to sports initiatives. These meetings help us coordinate efforts, set priorities, and respond to the concerns and suggestions we receive from our colleagues across the company. It’s a very enriching space where we aim to balance recreational, healthy, and inspiring aspects, always promoting participation and well-being for everyone.
What new events are being prepared for the second half of 2025?
For the second half of 2025, we’re working on a new edition of the Bergner Cinema Sessions for summer, where we’ll screen national and international films that have recently been recognized at festivals and award ceremonies. We’ll also continue with the padel tournaments, which have been very well received in past editions. Additionally, we’re considering launching a running club and regular body mobility and exercise sessions focused on reducing work-related stress and fostering healthy habits in daily life.
How many activities has the Culture and Sports Committee organized between 2024 and so far in 2025? How many people have participated in total?
At Bergner Europe’s Culture and Sports Committee, we organized several activities in 2024 that strengthened camaraderie, participation, and well-being within the company.
Among them, the Internal Padel Tournament stands out, a very well-received initiative that saw direct participation from 41 colleagues, plus many attendees who came to cheer and support, creating a strong atmosphere of team spirit and mutual encouragement.
We also coordinated Bergner Europe’s participation in the traditional ESIC Race, held in December, where 9 team members proudly represented the company as runners, embodying our values of effort and personal growth.
In 2025, we kicked off the year with new cultural and sports proposals. We organized a screening of the film Conclave, an activity that fostered reflection and connection among colleagues, and we plan to repeat it with new films throughout the year. More recently, we held the 5th Bergner Padel Tournament, with 28 participants, solidifying it as one of our community’s favorite events.
In total, between 2024 and the present, we have actively engaged over 80 people, not including the valuable support of those who participated as spectators or collaborators, showing growing interest and involvement in our initiatives.
How has the Culture and Sports Committee evolved since you joined?
Since I joined Bergner Europe’s Culture and Sports Committee, I’ve witnessed a very positive evolution, both in our working approach and in the committee’s relevance within the organization.
Initially, the committee had a more occasional focus, mainly organizing isolated events like padel tournaments. While these already generated great enthusiasm, over time we’ve moved toward a more structured approach aligned with the company’s values, prioritizing holistic well-being, team cohesion, and social responsibility.
With leadership support and the collaborative spirit of our team, we’ve built a more dynamic, proactive space, with better planning capabilities, more resources, and a more varied agenda. Today, we combine regular sports activities with cultural proposals and even external collaborations that further enrich corporate life.
Ultimately, the committee has grown from being a recreational space to becoming a key pillar of our organizational culture, promoting teamwork, creativity, emotional health, and a strong sense of belonging.
How important is the Culture and Sports Committee to Bergner’s workplace climate?
Although it may play a low-key role in the company’s day-to-day, I believe it has a positive impact on the work environment. From the committee, we aim to propose activities that anyone in the company can join, regardless of their preferences or activity level. Our goal is to help employees take small breaks from their routine, to relax, have fun, and connect with coworkers in a different setting.
What motivated you to join the committee, and what have you learned so far?
I’ve been part of the committee since it was created in 2021. I joined because I liked the idea of contributing to the company from a more human angle, beyond the professional realm. I’ve always valued those moments that break the routine, and I thought I could help create them for others.
Being on the committee has helped me see the importance of considering the group’s diverse interests, coordinating effectively, and being creative to propose things that truly add value. Over time, I’ve learned that organizing activities isn’t just about logistics, it’s also about empathy: thinking of everyone and what might appeal to or motivate different profiles. Also, working with colleagues from different departments on something so different from our usual roles is incredibly enriching.
What has been your favorite activity organized by the committee and why?
My favorite activity was the Solidarity Padel Tournament organized by the NGO Cooperación Internacional. I found it to be a very enriching initiative, not just for its sports and social aspects, but also because of the impact of supporting the NGO’s various projects in Zaragoza, Morocco, and India. Taking part in an activity that combines fun and solidarity strengthens our sense of community and commitment beyond the workplace.
Which types of activities draw the most participation? Do you keep any records or metrics to evaluate them?
We don’t keep formal numerical records, but we rely on participants’ spontaneous and positive responses. We enjoy seeing how, even without strict metrics, the activities receive great feedback and how everyone encourages each other to join in. The activity that’s had the greatest impact has been the internal padel tournament, exclusive to employees. It was an excellent opportunity to get to know the more personal and human side of our colleagues, something that undoubtedly improves our day-to-day workplace dynamic.
.png)