Great success at Balder's Christmas event at Experimentarium 2023

The text was originally published by Ejendom Danmark. Author: Stine Rud Skov

On a dark November day, the real estate company Balder dazzled with its annual Christmas event, inviting all tenants to an evening filled with community. This year, Experimentarium served as the venue for the event, which is part of Balder's efforts in customer care.

It's a dark and quite windy evening in November, but there is extra traffic in Tuborg Havn. Up to 2500 families and seniors with grandchildren have braved the cold and are welcomed into the warmth of Experimentarium. Here, they are welcomed by Balder's employees — competing for attention with Santa Claus, whom the children can meet.

Flemming Joseph Jensen, CEO of Balder, is also present this evening and is pleased with both the tenants' and employees' engagement.

"This evening is about both customer and employee care, where we can meet informally and have a chat. It's nice to see that the event is well-received," he says with a smile.

In addition to all the exciting experiments and entertainment provided by Experimentarium, visitors can also take a break at the SMASK restaurant, where Balder has arranged hot cocoa, coffee, and pancake puffs accompanied by live music.

An annual tradition

It has become an annual tradition for Balder to invite their tenants to a Christmas event. In the past couple of years, the Zoologisk Have in Copenahgen has been the venue for the event, but this year, it was time to try something new. The experiences offered by Experimentarium align well with the purpose of the event: to create shared experiences.

"Here, our customers have the opportunity to see us from a different perspective, and we get a bit closer to them than we can in daily life. For us, it's important that tenants see us as more than just those who collect rent and handle the administrative aspects," says Flemming Joseph Jensen.

Happy to support the enthusiasts
Another significant purpose is for tenants to and meet some of the neighbors they wouldn't meet in everyday life.

"We want to contribute to creating and strengthening relationships in the properties. That's why we also ensure that there are facilities such as community houses, conservatories, and rooftop terraces in several of our properties to support community building," says Flemming Joseph Jensen, who also mentions that they are happy to sponsor small amounts for tenant-initiated events like Halloween, Carnival, and Christmas.

"We are happy to support the enthusiasts who knock on doors and lead communities in the properties," he continues.

"The side benefit of all this is that if you are happy living with Balder and have good neighborly relations, you'll stay longer and recommend us to family and friends. That's why it's so important for us to make an extra effort for customer care."
 

It makes a difference
Some of the tenants who have braved the autumn darkness and gathered at Experimentarium are Stella and Mathias with their two daughters, aged 9 and 4. They have lived with Balder for three years in Lerholmen, Hedehusene, and have previously participated in the annual Christmas events.

"Earlier, we haven't experienced that a housing association has gone the extra mile. We prioritize these events because it makes a difference. It's an experience, and at the same time, it's fun to meet some of the others from our block," says Stella, who also highlights the other events that Balder invites them to throughout the year.

"At our home, they also organize summer events, where we participate to meet the employees. It adds something to meet those who are present in our community. We have just received an invitation to an evening event in our property. You can really feel that they do something for the community."

We are spoiled
Another family that participates in the Christmas event is Alexandra, Chakib, and their 3-year-old son, who have lived in Green Hills in Solrød Strand for the past year. They are very positive about the event, but also about Balder's efforts in general.

"I grew up in an apartment but have never experienced anything like this. A free event at Experimentarium is wild, but it's not just about that. They actually try to make everyday life easier for us in so many ways. For example, we got a pick-up box from PostNord where we live."

Alexandra is also positive:

"I am surprised by all the things they do for us as tenants, where you feel really spoiled. We have a good rental property and access to fitness and common areas, where they are currently decorating for Christmas. Furthermore, it is very visible who our landlord is. We have a close relationship with the employee responsible for the administrative tasks in our property and can always ask questions."

In its place
The positive feedback is highly appreciated by Flemming Joseph Jensen.

"Some might think that our customer care is a bit over the top, but I actually believe it's entirely in its place. We want to be chosen for many years to come, and the gain from taking a few extra steps is good, stable tenants.”