By Rutger Blankley, Manager of INDZ & Controls Engineering Hub
Strong workplace cultures don’t happen by accident. They are built through shared experiences, meaningful relationships, and opportunities for employees to connect beyond their everyday responsibilities.
That spirit was on full display during the annual Cornhole Tournament at Apex, hosted by the Novanta Professionals Network (NPN). The event brought together employees from across the site for an afternoon of competition and community impact.
With twenty-six teams competing, the tournament created opportunities for employees to interact with colleagues they might not normally work alongside. Whether playing in the tournament, cheering on teammates, or joining colleagues for lunch, employees spent time building connections that strengthen workplace collaboration long after the event ends.
The competition itself delivered plenty of excitement. After several closely contested matches, Chris Lupfer, Director of Americas Sales, and Benton Riordan, Product Management Director, claimed the championship title with a one-point victory over Thomas Dean, F/T Design Lead, and I.
Yet the tournament was about more than identifying a champion.
Throughout the day, employees shared conversations, developed new connections, and strengthened existing relationships. These seemingly simple interactions help create trust, encourage collaboration, and contribute to a positive employee experience.
The event also demonstrated the importance of giving back. Employees participated in a food and donation drive benefiting a local shelter, extending the impact of the day into the surrounding community.
Our culture is shaped not only by the work we do, but by the relationships we build along the way. Events like the Cornhole Tournament create opportunities for employees to connect, support one another, and contribute to something larger than themselves.