COSMOnauts go around the globe in 100 days

The monotonous job of doing the counting is done by a sports tracker, which is made available to all employees free of charge. Alternatively, they can use the sports watches that they already have. The steps of the participants are constantly synchronized with the Global Challenge website via an app and attributed to the respective team. The more miles the team racks up, the faster they move on the virtual map and the more places they can visit. Employees can also enter data on their health and eating habits and receive tips on balanced nutrition and healthy sleep. 

The COSMO CONSULT Group, Europe's leading Microsoft Dynamics partner, is participating in the Global Challenge for the second time. Last year, the software and consulting company had 40 teams participating in the virtual world tour. This time it is represented by 60 teams with 420 employees. "In our industry we spend too much time sitting at our desks. We have to make sure that we do enough sports and exercise. The Global Challenge is a wonderful way to raise awareness about this issue," said Kim Helmig, head of human resources and initiator of the Global Challenge at the COSMO CONSULT Group. An additional benefit is that the program also promotes better teamwork and more solidarity. "The health program has brought many people together over the past year within the company. We had international teams and teams made up of members from different locations. The communication this entailed forged many new ties," she adds. Many employees even lost a few pounds during the Global Challenge. 

Don’t expect everything to be over and done with after 100 days. The program has a long-term perspective: During the Global Challenge, every employee racks up steps for the team, maybe by taking the stairs instead of the elevator or by covering short distances on foot or using by bicycle. This can change old habits and teach health-conscious behaviors that are often retained even after the program ends. The participants can see their success. Via app or browser, they can track the improvements they achieve in exercise, sleep and nutrition - and also how the team compares to the competition. Team spirit and sporting challenges are great motivators for many people. To top it off, the best three COSMO CONSULT teams will probably get prizes again this year. 

In keeping with the guiding principle of "business software for people", employee health has always been a top priority in the COSMO CONSULT Group’s canon of values. In addition to the Global Challenge, the software and consulting firm supports other initiatives to promote health. These include massages, back-strengthening exercises, sport programs and various measures to improve the work-life balance of employees. "Our success depends on the ideas, creativity and dedication of our employees. A healthy, balanced lifestyle is one of the things that have a positive impact on personal performance. We want to promote the well-being of our employees and for them to feel happy at our company. With programs like the Global Challenge, we can create the right work environment to achieve this,” says Uwe Bergmann, CEO of the COSMO CONSULT Group. The company’s commitment to its employees pays off. In 2017, the software and consulting company received the “TOP-Job” award for employers, which is awarded by an independent jury based on employee reviews.