Purposeful change is not accomplished through grand announcements, but instead through the small intentional choices we make every day. We at Novo Nordisk Global Business Services, understand this well and hence started our journey of change and impact slowly but steadily, one bicycle and one employee at a time.
As a cycling enthusiast for most of my adult life, I recognize the transformative power of cycling in fostering healthier lifestyles, improved mental health and promoting sustainable transportation. Cycling has been a passion and a vital part of my journey since my childhood, when I first hit the pedals. Later in life and being part of the creation of Team Novo Nordisk—a team of professional cyclists living with Type 1 Diabetes— I’ve been inspired to remain dedicated to the sport and over the years, introducing employee led campaigns like cyclothons and other cycling competitions at our workplace.
This passion connected me with several other employees equally passionate cyclists, which resulted in a small group of colleagues coming together to give birth to a wonderful initiative - Chainge Makers, encouraging employees to make cycling part of their commute to and from work. What began as a small group has now become a cultural change in the workplace associated with sustainability, health, and community.
Our ‘Chainge Makers’ programme sits on four pillars:
Cross-functional partnerships – building collaboration across departments and communities towards sustainable mobility
Impact and awareness – making sustainability a key value of Novo Nordisk GBS
Better employee health – increasing productivity through physical activity
Reduction of carbon footprint - taking action to reduce daily commuting emissions. Our community, through Chainge Makers, has cycled more than 9,791 kilometres, saved 1,057 litres of fuel, and offset 2,448 kilograms of CO₂ emissions since early 2024.
This exemplifies the utmost commitment, discipline, and dedication our employees shoulder to bring about real change. Our ‘Cycle to Work’ Weekdays Challenge in Q1 also illustrates this perfectly. Over eight weeks, over 24 GBS employees cycled over 2,174 kilometres, saving 219 litres of fuel and offsetting 507 kilograms of carbon emissions.
From the very beginning, we knew that if this was to be more than just another engagement initiative, we need to be inclusive, accessible, and empowering, So, we started off by inviting employees to ride just one or two times per week. Over time, riders began to worry less about traffic, and regular riders encouraged their fellow riders. Stories emerged of early morning rides that permitted reflection and tough rides that built confidence. Colleagues felt and described clear impacts: better mental fitness, better health, pride in reducing carbon footprint, and stronger attachment to their commute.
Taking the initiative a step further, we are also introducing training sessions for those who are still not confident but eager to hit the road on two wheels, educating them about road safety while cycling in the city, safety equipment for cycling, bike maintenance tips, and hands-on riding workshop to enhance cycling skills. We have even procured a small number of bicycles so employees can ‘try before they buy’.
This World Cycling Day, let us embrace the spirit of cycling—a pursuit that connects individuals, fosters resilience, and contributes to a healthier and more sustainable future. By collectively moving in the right direction, we can together cultivate a culture that supports cycling as both a recreational activity and a vital component to a sustainable world, paving the way for progress with every turn of the wheel. Let’s be the “Chainge” that we all want to see in the world. It starts with a single turn of the pedals.
John Dawber is Corporate VP & MD, Novo Nordisk Global Business Services (GBS)
