ASML

Building stronger multidisciplinary teams from day one

Every new colleague within ASML’s Development & Engineering department starts with an immersive full-day onboarding programme. Together with ASML’s Learning & Development team, Businessgames helps new employees experience the importance of communication, collaboration and effective ways of working from day one.

The morning begins with an inspiring knowledge session led by an ASML Learning & Development expert. Participants then put theory into practice through two interactive Business Games, designed to challenge the way they communicate, solve problems and collaborate across disciplines.

Communicate by doing

The first challenge focuses on communication. Teams split into four smaller groups and spread out across the building. Each group receives only part of the information needed to complete a shared objective. Using walkie-talkies, participants exchange information that is encoded with commonly used ASML abbreviations.

Success depends on clear communication, active listening and finding smarter ways to collaborate under pressure. The better teams perform, the greater the advantage they earn for the afternoon programme.

Escape the maze

The second challenge takes participants into the ‘Escape the Maze‘ Mini Game, focused on ASML’s Way of Working. ASML’s methodologies, tools and processes can seem overwhelming to new employees. This interactive maze transforms those concepts into an engaging learning experience.

Teams solve realistic business cases by identifying the correct methodology, process or tool. Every correct answer unlocks another puzzle piece and brings them one step closer to escaping the maze. Teams quickly discover that success comes from combining knowledge, sharing expertise and making smart decisions together.

Mission to Mars

After lunch, the programme culminates in the ‘Mission to Mars’ Serious Game. Participants become the first people selected to establish a colony on Mars. Every team represents a multidisciplinary project team, with each participant taking on a unique role and set of responsibilities. Together, they must balance stakeholder expectations, manage dependencies and deliver their objectives within strict deadlines.

Success requires more than technical expertise. Teams must communicate effectively, align priorities, support one another and maintain an overview while navigating unexpected challenges. They need to work together within their own team and with other teams to create a successful colony while keeping the stakeholder’s requirements in mind. Can they align their responsibilities, deliver on time, and keep the overview? Throughout the Serious Game, participants experience first-hand how multidisciplinary collaboration drives successful projects at ASML.

By the end of the day, new employees leave with practical insights, valuable new connections and a deeper understanding of how ASML’s teams collaborate to solve complex engineering challenges. The programme transforms onboarding into an engaging experience that builds confidence, strengthens collaboration and prepares participants to contribute from day one.

Looking for an onboarding programme that goes beyond presentations? We design interactive Business Games that strengthen collaboration, accelerate learning and bring your organisation’s way of working to life. We’d love to create an experience tailored to your organisation.