Zurich International employees in the island were the first in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region to hear about the company’s 2019 strategy when they gathered for a Year Start event.

Designed to inform and motivate staff for the year ahead, it featured speeches and presentations from senior executives.

The day included an interactive role-playing workshop with a United Nations theme. Thirty teams were each given a fictitious nation to lead with varying levels of financial wealth, labour, and resources.

vision

Each team had to create a flag and vision for their country to improve life for their citizens.

Next they had to strategise which assets and facilities, each with a different yield of happiness they wanted to invest in.

Following negotiation, collaboration and market trade, the team with the happiest inhabitants was declared the winner.

It was designed to test three key behaviours said to be essential to Zurich’s success: putting the customer first, collaboration, and making it happen.

The winners were Team Creata: Sue Coles, Sowmya Arcot, David Burke, Katie Riley, Mark Anscomb, Sue Davidson, Neil Nichol, Neil Medalle and Ian Openshaw. A special award was given to Ruth Adamson, from Team Brigaade, for her outstanding contribution during the game.

The winners received one extra day of annual leave.

Chief executive Peter Huber said: ’This is the first time we have organised a year start event in this format. It was great to see the enthusiasm from everyone involved.

’The emphasis was on collaboration and the role-playing exercise which produced some valuable experiences that can be applied in the workplace.’

Mr Huber congratulated employees on their excellent contribution to a successful 2018, and spoke about Zurich International’s contribution to the local community.

He also congratulated Serena Wood, unit pricing manager, who won a Zurich Foundation Community Champion Award of US$60,000 which will be shared by Manx Breast Cancer Support Group (US$30,000) Alzheimer’s Society Isle of Man (US$15,000), and Bridge The Gap (US$15,000).

The event was held at the Comis Hotel and Golf Resort, Mount Murray.

The United Nations themed game was delivered by Business Games, a leading international provider of experimental learning activities.

The Zurich event was the first time that Business Games has visited the Isle of Man.

Zurich International’s base is at the Isleof Man Business Park.

Team Creata who won the United Nations themed role playing game are presented with their medals by (sixth from left) Peter Huber and (third from right) Patrick Manley. Left to right are Sue Coles, Sowmya Arcot, David Burke, Katie Riley, Mark Anscomb, Peter Huber, Sue Davidson, Neil Nichol, Patrick Manley, Neil Medalle and Ian Openshaw

Members of Team Bodilla built a skyscraper as part of the UN event. Stephan Hillert, Zoe Popelier, Peter Elworthy and Charlotte Pengilley

Members of Team Jumbala; Emily McMahon (left) and Codie McIntyre taking part in the United Nations themed role-playing game

Team Lakuna taking part in the United Nations themed role-playing game held at the Comis Hotel