More sport for more ‘together’
Ravindra Yadav is passionate about running and yoga.
And as the 46-year-old is convinced that exercise not only makes you feel better but also helps you work better, he decided to do something about it: As Senior Manager Human Resources Development at thyssenkrupp Electrical Steel in Nashik, India, he motivates his colleagues to take part in sporting activities themselves.
‘He has run the 42 kilometer marathon distance in a time of 4 hours 38 minutes, making him faster than most other people. And Ravindra’s family have also caught the running bug. “I’m really proud that my family has also taken part in several events and on occasions even finished on the winners’ podium.” Ravindra discovered yoga this year. “We took up yoga during lockdown when it wasn’t possible to train or run outdoors.’
Award from thyssenkrupp India
It’s no wonder that the HR specialist believes exercise and yoga have a positive effect on health and vitality. “Exercise and yoga strengthen the internal organs and help maintain fitness, flexibility, stamina, core strength and agility etc.,” says Ravindra, who frequently trains with his family.
This regular training and the family’s healthy lifestyle even saw the Yadavs recognized by thyssenkrupp India as a “Role Model for Health & Safety” in 2018, receiving an award from Ravi Kirpalani, Managing Director & CEO of thyssenkrupp India, at a ceremony in Pune, India.
“Significant impact on daily work”
As an HR officer and a passionate sportsman, Ravindra knows what a positive influence exercise has on day-to-day work. “Sport, and I include yoga in that, really does have a positive impact on our daily work,” says Ravindra. “It has long been proven that taking part in sporting activities provides both physical and mental benefits. For example it increases your energy levels, reduces fatigue, improves your concentration and boosts team spirit and morale.”
Ravindra quickly decided he needed to motivate his colleagues at thyssenkrupp Electrical Steel to do sport and yoga. So with his colleagues from the HR department he started organizing yoga sessions for employees and developing health awareness programs. His aim was to prepare them even better for the challenges of their day-to-day work.
He also links this to the “together” part of the thyssenkrupp slogan “engineering. tomorrow. together.”, which has a special meaning for him. “For me the word together is synonymous with team and a sense of we: We work together as a team, learn from one another, grow together, and respect and trust each other. Sticking together through good and bad, achieving a joint goal, and this value pledge – that unites us as a team.”
And if this team spirit can be strengthened by the occasional sport or yoga session at thyssenkrupp Electrical Steel, then Ravindra has achieved his goal.