The idea behind No Working on Powder Days
At DVJ, we believe that great ideas start with energised minds. That’s why we introduced the No Working on Powder Day: a spontaneous day off for when conditions are just right to do something you truly love—whether it’s skiing, skating, hiking, horseback riding, or anything else that fuels your passion.
It’s not about taking time off. It’s about making space for what inspires you.
Each Powder Day story is a reflection of the individuality and joy we value at DVJ. Here are some of the experiences our colleagues have shared.
01
Isabelle Leenders
- Research Expert
Training for the 'Nijmeegse Vierdaagse' 2025
I used my Powder Day to enjoy the sunny weather and train for the Nijmegen Four Days Marches. In July, I’ll be walking 40 kilometres a day for four days, and this week I managed 35 kilometres with a friend through the beautiful Nijmegen area.
It was a great day, and I’m thankful for the extra time to prepare and enjoy the walk.
02
Roos de Kok
- Developer/Product Owner Online Survey Software
Recording a single in the studio
I used my Powder Day to focus on one of my passions: music. Since moving to Tilburg, I have joined two bands and have been rehearsing regularly. One of them, The Herd, recently had the chance to record our first single during two free days at a local studio.
A friend of our bass player came along to take some great photos during the session. It was a fun and rewarding day spent making music together.
03
Melina von Kraemer
- Research Expert
Snowboarding vacation in Bulgaria
I went on a snowboarding trip to Bulgaria and used my Powder Day to kick things off. After an early flight to Sofia and a drive to Borovets, I was already on the slopes by midday.
I wrapped up the day with a visit to the spa and some great local food. The scenery was beautiful, the people were welcoming, and it was the perfect start to the trip.
04
Huzefa Mandasaurwala
- Research Expert
Hiking trough the Black Forest in Germany
On 2 May, I traded spreadsheets for switchbacks and spent my Powder Day hiking in the beautiful Black Forest in Germany. I explored the areas around Triberg and Feldberg, took in the views, and of course, tried the famous Black Forest cake. It was absolutely worth it.
Thanks to DVJ for encouraging us to take time for what inspires and recharges us.
05
Sofia Åberg
- Junior Marketing Project Manager
Spending the day in the Ardennes
No powder snow for me this time, but I had the perfect day to recharge. Together with friends, I spent the day in the Belgian hills.
We started with a tennis match, cooled off with a swim, and in the afternoon visited Chant d’Éole, the oldest family-owned winery in Belgium. We tasted their sparkling wines made with the traditional Champagne method and ended the day with a lovely dinner overlooking the vineyards. A refreshing day in nature with great company.
06
Daniël Venderbosch
- Teamlead Research
Walking 4 stages from the Pieterpad
Over two years ago, just before joining DVJ, I began walking the 515 km Pieterpad trail from north to south across the Netherlands. Last week, I hiked four more stages—72 km from Hellendoorn to Zelhem—bringing me past the halfway point!
Besides enjoying the beautiful and varied Dutch landscape, this journey has reminded me how peaceful solo time can be.
07
Joyce Pakkert
- Client Consultant
Exploring the Achterhoek by bike
To make the most of the Hemelvaart weekend, I used my Powder Day for a 4-day cycling trip through the Achterhoek. We covered around 60–70 km a day—at a relaxed pace with plenty of coffee stops. The weather was perfect, and we stayed in unique places, including a caravan in someone’s garden overlooking the fields.
It felt like a mini-holiday, and I’m grateful for the Powder Day that made it possible!
08
Shalini Malur Nagaraj
- Junior Data & BI Specialist
Spending time with the family in Switzerland
After two years, my parents visited from India, and we celebrated with a peaceful trip to Switzerland. We explored Jungfrau, cruised Lake Lucerne, and enjoyed stunning alpine views.
The highlight was staying at a Swiss farmhouse surrounded by animals. My daughter, an animal lover, spent her days feeding chickens and cuddling rabbits. A simple, happy week filled with moments we’ll always remember.
09
Laura Henigman
- Research Expert
Surfing on the coast of Portugal
I just got back from a holiday in Ericeira, Portugal’s beautiful surf town and Europe’s first World Surfing Reserve. It was the perfect mix of activity and relaxation—surfing, running, yoga, tennis, beach time, and great company.
On my last day, I used my powder day for one final surf session. Surfing is tougher than it looks, with lots of paddling and wipeouts, but between all the falls, I managed to catch a few good waves. It was challenging, fun, and totally worth it.
10
Frans Deelen Souza
- Client Consultant
Spending quality time with the family
I chose 21 March for my Powder Day for two meaningful reasons. It was my wife’s birthday, and we celebrated with a romantic lunch and a walk by the lake. It was also World Down Syndrome Day, a day that holds special meaning for our family. We took the time to celebrate our oldest son’s achievements and reflect on the importance of support and awareness.
The sun was shining, and the day brought a perfect balance of quiet time and moments with loved ones. I’m grateful for the opportunity to enjoy it.
11
Lily van Eeden
- Knowledge and Solutions Specialist
Enjoying the day at Toverland
For Powder Day, I joined Jeff and Roos at Toverland, a theme park in the south of the Netherlands. With more than 35 rides, great weather, and no crowds, it was the perfect day for some fun and thrills.
Sharing the experience with two colleagues I’ve grown close to made it even more special. Grateful for the chance to enjoy a day like this together.
12
Lyuba Ivanova
- Research Expert
A powder day in Berlin
I spent my Powder Day last Thursday in Berlin, celebrating my best friend’s birthday and enjoying a long weekend together. After a scenic train ride from Utrecht, we caught up, explored bookstores, shared a delicious Syrian dinner, and reminisced about our 11-year friendship. Highlights included wandering through Kreuzberg, trying the iconic Berlin döner, celebrating with her international circle, and visiting the Alte Nationalgalerie’s Claudel & Hoetger exhibition.
A perfect day in a beautiful city with someone who means a lot to me — thank you for the opportunity!
13
Glenn Manders, Jelle Pruijn and Maartje Senneker - Knowledge and Solutions Specialist, Teamlead Research and Research Expert
Powder Day Turns Party Day
What started as a laid-back visit to the old DVJ office turned into an unexpected celebration. While cashing in our Powder Day, Maartje, Glenn and I found ourselves in the middle of the Nijmeegse Vierdaagse. We joined the cheering crowds, caught up with colleagues, and ended the day dancing through Nijmegen’s streets.
A simple plan became a spontaneous reunion — full of sun, stories, and surprise fun.
14
Elsemieke Lijmbach
- Office Manager
Galloping Freedom on the Dutch Coast
Going back to the Dutch coast with a close friend was truly unforgettable. We enjoyed a private 3.5-hour horseback tour that took us from galloping through the dunes to cantering freely along the shoreline. My horse for the day, Magic, made the whole experience even more special, living up to the name in every way.
The splashing waves meant we couldn’t capture much on camera, but the few photos we did get riding in the water are enough to bring back the memory.
What stood out most was the sense of freedom — the wind, the sea, the power of the horse beneath me — all combined with the joy of sharing such a unique adventure with a friend.
15
Floor Lieskamp
- Research Expert
A Special Day in Zeeland
For my mom’s birthday, I wanted to give her something memorable, so I planned a day trip to one of her favourite places — Zeeland. On Thursday evening, I travelled from Rotterdam to my parents’ house so we could enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening walk together.
The next morning, we drove an hour to Vrouwenpolder, where we had a delicious lunch at Lekker, a beach bar with stunning sea views and perfect weather. Afterwards, we explored the beautiful town of Veere, wandering through its charming streets, browsing the small shops, and taking in the harbour and historic bastion. We ended the day with ice cream and a refreshing drink — the perfect way to celebrate together.
16
Alicia Landers
- Business Controller
Sailing, Sun & Celebration at Lemsterwike
Last week, I spent my Powder Day at Lemsterwike — the big event week in Lemmer, similar to Sneekweek. We spent the day on a boat, enjoying the sun and heading out to watch the SKS-Skûtsjesilen, a traditional Frisian sailing regatta where historic skûtsjes race for town pride. We supported Lemmer’s boat, but the win went to Grou.
The weather was perfect, so we took a swim before returning to the harbour, only to get caught in “boat traffic” — a far better jam than on the highway, with sun, music, food, and drinks. When the bridges closed for the night, we left the boat and ended the day on shore with live music.
17
Lissy Tijhuis
- Research Expert
A Powder Day in the Sun
Last week’s sunny forecast inspired me to take my Powder Day on Wednesday and soak up the summer weather. I started with a refreshing morning run, then headed to the lush Amelisweerd estate near Utrecht to meet a friend. Surrounded by historic country houses, winding woodland paths, and the sparkling Kromme Rijn, we spent the afternoon picnicking, chatting, playing games, and even taking a cooling dip in the river. From the meadow, I could spot our office in the distance—a reminder of how special it is to swap my desk for nature now and then. It was the perfect midweek reset and exactly what a Powder Day is meant for.
18
Pia Stork
- Client Consultant
A Special Auction Week
Thanks to my Powder Snow Day, I was able to follow our 2024 foals — now yearlings — from the moment they left the stud farm to their arrival at the auction. It was such a joy to spend the whole day with them, talking to potential buyers, showing the horses several times, and catching up with fellow breeders. On Friday, the auction itself took place, and both yearlings were successfully sold to trainers around the country.
The goodbyes are never easy, but knowing they are starting a new chapter makes it easier. With the “teenagers” moved out, we’re now ready and excited to welcome the foals of 2025.
19
Martin Hellich
- Head of Innovation
Catching the Wind
On 26 September, I had my own perfect Powder Day. And it truly lived up to its original meaning: “One should absolutely not be working on a day like this.”
For me, that meant: 20–28 knots of wind, Great temperatures and plenty of sunshine
Those are the days when my heart starts racing and my mind drifts straight to the coast — where windsurfing dreams come true. While others (the real maniacs!) might have had to “call in sick,” I didn’t have to. Thanks to DVJ’s culture, I could take an official Powder Day — guilt-free and with the full support of my team.
20
Mandy Boomgaarden
- Research Expert
A Paris Powder Day
I just wanted to share a few good vibes from my Powder Day last Friday.
I used it to extend a weekend in Paris with my dad — his first time there — and we had the best time exploring the city. From visiting the beautifully restored Notre-Dame to cycling along the Seine and around the Arc de Triomphe, it was an unforgettable adventure.
To top it off, we climbed the Eiffel Tower in the middle of a downpour, only to be greeted by a rainbow at the top. It was such a special way to spend extra time together and make lasting memories.
21
Irmina Bendzera
- Research Expert
A Powder Day Readathon
On a rainy powder day, I spent my time in an unusual way — joining friends for a 24-hour Readathon. From 8AM to 8AM, we read as much as we could, only pausing for spontaneous moments like watching Mamma Mia outside, a 6AM chat about school reading lists, and admiring the sunrise.
By the end, I’d read six books (finished three), shared plenty of laughs, and slept through the next day. Staying up all night to read isn’t for everyone, but reading with friends makes it unforgettable — sharing reactions, discussing stories, and experiencing it all together.
22
Jelle Quak
- Global Director Strategy & Solutions
Powderday: Slowing Down to Move Forward
Yesterday, Marloes and I signed up for a trail marathon in the Austrian mountains — a bold goal, but just like in our work, growth comes from showing up every day.
I used my Powderday to start training with an easy run through the Dutch polder: long dikes, low skies, a heron lifting off, and even my old school along the way.
The rest of the day stayed slow — groceries, cooking, and studying Bol’s toy catalogue with my daughter. Not epic, but a calm, steady start toward that daunting finish line — ten heartbeats lower than usual.
23
Leonie Hamstra
- Research Expert
The Luxury of Doing Nothing
Life is busy. Fun, but busy. Family, friends, work, sports… Oh, and a new house we’re currently renovating and moving into in four weeks. Balancing everything is a lot. Fun, but a lot.
So yesterday, I decided to drop the packing, skip the cooking for my daughter, and stop checking (for the 100th time) how the fieldwork of that one project was going. Instead? I did NOTHING. A day with me, myself & my books at the sauna. The hardest decision of the day was which piece of cake to pick with my coffee. Loved it!
That busy life is a luxury. A luxury that felt even more luxurious when I got to escape it for a day in the sauna. Thnx DVJ!
24
Gabriele Herrmann
- Client Consultant
The Mushroom Hunt
For my Power Day, I swapped screens and city noise for the quiet of the forest. With one of my oldest friends, I spent the day exploring, talking, and searching for mushrooms — my favourite autumn ritual.
Her son had promised us a magical spot “full of mushrooms,” but after hours of walking, we found just one lonely specimen. We laughed, of course. The real treasure turned out to be the day itself — the crisp air, deep conversation, and simple joy of wandering.
We returned home with enough for dinner for two and a sense of calm that felt far richer than any basketful of mushrooms.
25
Lenneke Keulemans
- Research Expert
Powder Day Reunion
Last weekend, I took my Powder Day in Maastricht — not for the weather, but for nostalgia. I met up with my university friends, the same group I was randomly paired with ten years ago because our last names started with the same letter.
To celebrate a decade of friendship, we returned to Maastricht, where our first weekend trip took place. We ate, laughed, explored, shopped, and even biked through the dark caves of Valkenburg — a thrilling reminder that some adventures never get old.
26
Sofunne Ohajunwa
- Research Expert
A Joyful Powder Day in Lagos
I spent my powder day in Lagos, Nigeria, celebrating my cousin’s traditional wedding with my family. It was a beautiful day full of love, music, and incredible food. The venue was stunning, and we enjoyed every moment—from the bride’s graceful entrance and symbolic palm wine ceremony to dancing late into the night.
I’m very grateful to DVJ for giving me the chance to reconnect with my second home—already looking forward to my next trip!
27
Kirsten Bartels
- Client Consultant
A Peaceful Powder Day at Lake Tegernsee
For my powder day, I travelled across Germany to visit a long-time friend who lives by the beautiful Lake Tegernsee. I even added an extra day—just because I could—to enjoy simple moments that make me happy, like swinging and relaxing by the lake.
As the sun set, I sat with two of my favourite people, soaking in the calm and beauty of the evening. It was the perfect mix of friendship, nature, and gratitude.
A big thank you to DVJ Insights for making this day possible.
28
Mark Vroegrijk
- Senior Methodologist
Powder Day at “Elluf-Elluf”
With the year coming to an end, I used my Powder Day to celebrate “Elluf-Elluf,” the official start of Carnaval. In perfect weather, two friends and I headed to Kruikenstad (Tilburg) for an afternoon of music, DJs, and Brabant-famous artists.
We joined a lively student cantus filled with Carnaval songs and stayed for the reveal of the new “Raad van Elf” and Prince Carnaval. Afterwards, the celebrations continued in the spirit of this year’s theme: “Agge aanders kèkt, ziedet beeter!”
A day full of fun, friendship, and Carnaval energy. Thanks, DVJ!
29
Teun Swierstra
- Research Expert
A Snowy Powder Day in Sweden
Over the past two weeks, I visited my girlfriend Melanie in Gothenburg for a “working from X” stay — the perfect moment to use my Powder Day. With –5°C temperatures and fresh snow, we took a 5:15 a.m. train to Stockholm for a day of exploring.
After a much-needed flat white, we wandered through the city, visited the ABBA Museum, and—my personal highlight—the Avicii Experience. We ended the day with a stunning sunset and two new LPs to take home.
A fantastic Powder Day. Thanks to DVJ for making this possible.
30
Nicole Engels
- Global Lead Academic & Industry Partnerships
A Powder Day Full of Friends, Campers & Art
Yesterday I enjoyed a fantastic Powder Day with friends. We started in Hillegom to explore more than 150 camper vans for a friend who’s hoping to buy one — testing beds, trying (dry) showers, and checking out every dashboard.
Afterwards we headed to Haarlem for lunch, where another friend joined us, and we finished the day at the Michelangelo exhibition at the Teylers Museum — truly amazing.
A wonderful Powder Day spent with friends I’ve known since I was 18. Thanks, DVJ!
31
Lisette Kruizinga-de Vries
- Thought Leader Science & Analytics
A Relaxing Powder Day at the Sauna
Last Friday, I spent a wonderfully relaxing Powder Day with my husband. We started with a sunny morning walk, then packed our towels and books for a full day at Sauna van Egmond, just a short bike ride from home.
With busy schedules and family life, taking a day to switch off was exactly what we needed. We enjoyed multiple saunas, the ice-cold plunge pool, a duo massage, and a delicious lunch.
A perfect reset — and a great start to the weekend.
32
Evelien Edwards
- Research Director
Celebrating 85 Years – A Weekend Full of Family, Fun & Memories
For my grandma’s 85th birthday, we went away for a weekend with over 30 family members. I helped prepare a pub quiz, decorations, and even a homemade medal, which turned into a fun way to catch up with relatives from Belgium and Germany.
To finish it off, we surprised my grandma with a photo book so she can relive this special weekend again and again.
33
Jan Aarts
- Client Consultant
A Magical Powder Day at Disneyland
For my Powder Day, I went to Disneyland Paris with my whole family, including my two nephews on their very first visit.
As a rollercoaster and theme park fan, it was special to experience the park at Christmas through their eyes—festive lights, rides, hot chocolate, mulled wine and fireworks. It was a joyful day full of excitement, memories and family time—thanks to DVJ for making it possible.
34
Maria Sanchez Raposo
- Market Lead
Finding My Path on Powder Day
On Friday 28 November, I celebrated my six-month anniversary at DVJ with my first Powder Day. Instead of skiing, I took two solo mountain hikes near Madrid—new trails, winding roads and even a small detour that ended at a hidden waterfall.
In a year full of change, including buying a new home, a day to disconnect, walk and literally find my way on a new path helped me reset and gain perspective.
