Introduction
At MechDes, everything revolves around technology. Complex machines, challenging projects, and smart solutions form the core of our work. But those who only look at technical achievements miss an important part of the story. Behind every successful project is a team. And you do not truly get to know that team only behind your desk or during project meetings. That is exactly where team outings and shared activities make the difference.
Every day, MechDes works with great dedication on a wide range of engineering challenges. This requires focus, craftsmanship, and collaboration. Joining forces, complementing each other, and keeping each other sharp. This way of working does not stop when the workday ends. In fact, outside the office, the foundation for even better collaboration is often created.
From the workplace to shared activities
Anyone walking through MechDes will quickly notice that colleagues easily connect with each other. Not only for technical discussions and sparring sessions, but also for activities outside of work. Spontaneous initiatives regularly arise: a group going bouldering, a game of padel after work, a trial motorcycle clinic, or a mountain bike ride through the beautiful and challenging Limburg landscape.
These are often smaller groups, colleagues who find each other through a shared interest. Accessible, active, and above all, fun. When an initiative becomes larger and the entire company can participate, the Activity Team comes into play.
The AT: our engine for connection
Within MechDes, the Activity Team, or AT for short, is responsible for organizing the larger outings. Four enthusiastic colleagues take the lead in this. They ensure that several times a year activities are organized that are accessible to a broad group of colleagues.
That may sound simple, but in practice it requires quite a bit of coordination. Calendars need to be aligned, holidays need to be considered, and ongoing projects must be taken into account. Naturally, there is also a budget involved, which needs to be managed carefully.
However, the real challenge lies somewhere else: finding activities that appeal to as many colleagues as possible. Our group of driven professionals is diverse, with different ages, interests, and backgrounds. The challenge is creating a program where everyone feels included. Being active, working together, and making room for relaxation are always the common threads.
Highland Games: a day to remember
One of the best examples of such an activity is the Highland Games from last year. A day that has almost become legendary within MechDes.
Under the warm sun, colleagues appeared on the field wearing kilts. What followed was a series of physical and, above all, entertaining challenges. Heavy hammers were thrown, tree trunks were launched into the air, and spears were successfully avoided. Barrels rolled across the field and teams competed against each other in a course carrying heavy beams on their shoulders. And sometimes you are genuinely surprised by what some colleagues can achieve and with how much passion they compete.
It was exactly what a great activity should be: active, slightly competitive, and with plenty of room for humor. Colleagues who normally discuss tolerances and develop solutions for complex machines were now laughing together, cheering each other on, and helping one another through the challenges.
The day ended with a shared dinner. Traditional Dutch mashed potato dishes in the middle of summer. At first, this resulted in some surprised looks, but after such an intensive day it turned out to be exactly what was needed. The dishes emptied quickly, and the host even had to prepare additional food. Something they had never experienced before, and something we still laugh about today.
More than just fun
Around the holidays, the AT traditionally organizes a closing event. This can range from a knowledge quiz to a table football or darts tournament. Sometimes the choice is Christmas bowling, followed by a shared dinner.
The success of these days is not only found in the fun. Something else happens, something less visible but equally valuable.
During activities, job titles fade into the background. Engineers, project managers, management team members, and colleagues from support departments stand together as part of one team. Roles become less important and there is room for different conversations. You get to know each other in a way that does not always happen naturally within projects.
This cross-pollination is exactly what makes these moments valuable. It directly impacts collaboration. When people know each other better, communication becomes easier. There is more understanding, more trust, and often greater efficiency in the work.
What drives the Activity Team?
The motivation of the AT members is remarkably close to the core of MechDes itself: involvement and collaboration. An AT former member, Henry, explains it clearly: "Getting to know colleagues outside of work ensures that collaboration during projects runs more smoothly. You build a connection, and you notice that in practice. In addition, there is a lot of laughter during the outings, and you look back on them with pleasure."
Current AT member Danny adds: "It feels great when colleagues are enthusiastic about an activity. You contribute to something that goes beyond work alone. At the same time, you develop yourself as well. Organizing, coordinating, and taking different interests into account. And you suddenly see colleagues from a completely different perspective, for example during an enthusiastic city scavenger hunt." This combination of social impact and personal development makes the AT a valuable part of the organization.
A rich history of activities
The Highland Games are not an exception. Over the years, the AT has built an impressive list of activities. One example was a scrapheap challenge, where teams had to solve a technical challenge with limited resources. Creativity, collaboration, and a healthy dose of improvisation were central. Exactly the qualities that also make a difference in projects.
Inspirational company visits have also been organized, including visits to Mercedes and Airbus. Moments where technology and practice come together, allowing colleagues to gain new insights that they can apply in their own work. Another highlight was Skûtsjesilen in Heeg. Teams went out on the water with authentic racing skûtsjes. Navigation, collaboration, and responding to changing conditions made this an activity where everyone contributed in their own way. And of course, there was MechDes' 30th anniversary. A large-scale event where no fewer than 114 employees and family members gathered at Staverden estate. A moment to reflect on the past, but above all, to look ahead together.
Work culture as a foundation and investing in connection
What connects all these activities is the culture within MechDes. A culture where collaboration is central and where there is room for initiative. Activities are not imposed from the top down, but arise from within the organization itself. Colleagues take responsibility, contribute ideas, and participate. The AT facilitates and organizes, but the energy comes from the group. This aligns perfectly with the way projects are approached. Here too, the strength lies in collaboration, ownership, and involvement.
In a time when workloads can be high and projects are becoming increasingly complex, it can be tempting to see activities as an 'extra'. Something that happens alongside work. At MechDes, we approach this differently. Outings and shared moments are seen as an investment: in people, in collaboration, and ultimately in the quality of our work.
Because a team that trusts and understands each other performs better. This translates directly into projects, customers, and results. And that is exactly what MechDes stands for: working together on great projects, and being proud of them together.
About MechDes Engineering
MechDes is a creative and distinctive mechanical engineering company with more than 30 years of experience. From Harderwijk, a close-knit team of engineers works every day on complex technical challenges within areas such as machine building, infrastructure, and industry.
What sets MechDes apart is the way we work. We enjoy working in co-creation and as a true engineering partner. From the first sketch through realization and optimization, MechDes remains involved. This commitment is reflected in the quality of our solutions, but above all in the collaboration with our customers and colleagues.
The strength of MechDes lies in the combination of in-depth technical knowledge and a strong team culture. Engineers work closely together, challenge each other, and continuously search for the best solution. Not only because it is required, but because it is part of who we are.
This culture is built on four core values: Innovative, Meticulous, Engaged, and Proud Together. They are not just words on paper, but are visible in how projects are approached, how colleagues interact, and how successes are shared.
