Encourage Employees To Explore the Outdoors With Perks Programs

June 25, 2025

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In today's fast-paced work environment, [employer support](https://www.workingadvantage.com/employer) for employee well-being has been proven to yield positive results for everyone. But sometimes the simpler aspects of wellness get overlooked. Research shows that time in nature significantly improves mental health and reduces stress levels. Forward-thinking companies now leverage employee perks and [employee discount programs](https://employers.workingadvantage.com/blog-content?item_id=7478e7a7-a044-41ff-9e48-cb17a40221fd) to help teams disconnect from screens and reconnect with nature. ## The Benefits of Outdoor Time for Employees ### Boosts Mental Health and Reduces Burnout Studies show that just 20 minutes in natural settings can substantially lower cortisol levels and anxiety. Employees who regularly engage with nature report [31% lower rates of workplace burnout](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3072911/#:~:text=Results.,nature%2Dcontact%20workplace%20stress%20interventions.) compared to indoor-bound colleagues. This mental refreshment translates into higher job satisfaction, higher employee morale, and stronger workplace engagement over time. ### Increases Physical Activity and Energy Outdoor activities naturally promote movement through hiking scenic trails, cycling through parks, or walking during lunch breaks and paid time off. Regular physical activity leads to improved cardiovascular health and better sleep quality over time. These health benefits directly contribute to heightened productivity and fewer sick days throughout the workweek. ### Sparks Creativity and Problem-Solving Natural environments stimulate creative thinking by providing breaks from routine mental patterns and digital distractions. The mix of physical movement, fresh air, and novel stimuli helps employees return with refreshed perspectives. Teams that incorporate outdoor breaks show measurable improvements in brainstorming effectiveness compared to indoor-only groups. ## How Employee Perks Can Encourage Outdoor Exploration ### What Are Employee Perks and Discount Programs? Employee perks encompass non-salary benefits that enhance job satisfaction beyond basic compensation. Employee discount programs specifically provide cost savings on products, services, and experiences that could make a huge difference in their day-to-day financial lives. Together, these programs form a [powerful strategy](https://employers.workingadvantage.com/blog-content?item_id=54388f26-8c2f-4547-8ba6-a9d4a71ee150) for cultivating loyalty and boosting morale among team members. ### Outdoor-Focused Perks to Consider Offering discounted passes to national parks and botanical gardens removes financial barriers to regular nature visits. Access to outdoor gear rental programs eliminates the need for investment in expensive equipment like kayaks or camping gear. Companies can also implement wellness benefit reimbursement specifically for nature-based activities like hiking groups or outdoor yoga classes. Subsidized team retreats to outdoor destinations combine team building with nature immersion for amplified benefits. Some innovative employers provide "outdoor days" as part of their paid time off structure for employees. These special days explicitly encourage workers to disconnect from technology and explore natural settings nearby. Another benefit to consider is that this type of perks program arrangement allows remote employees to take advantage of a company-sponsored wellness program. When perks go beyond gym memberships at an onsite facility or local health establishments, accessibility increases along with [employee morale](https://employers.workingadvantage.com/blog-content?item_id=acddbe8d-2ebc-4f0c-9203-eb2867df03e5). ## Real-Life Savings Through Employee Discount Programs ### Family Camping Adventure: $350+ in Savings The Martinez family wanted to introduce their children to camping, but hesitated due to equipment costs and park fees. Through their company's employee discount program, they accessed 25% off camping gear at major outdoor retailers. Their program offered discounted annual national park passes, saving them $80 immediately on entrance fees. With additional savings on specialized camping equipment rental, they enjoyed their first week-long adventure for $350 less. ### Weekend Warrior Cyclist: $1,200+ Annual Savings Marcus, an avid mountain biker, leverages his company's employee perks to pursue his passion more affordably. His discount program provides 20% off bike maintenance services and up to 30% off gear replacements. He receives discounted lift tickets at bike parks during summer months and preferred rates on guided experiences. These combined savings amount to over $1,200 annually, allowing upgrades to his equipment without financial stress. ## How Working Advantage Makes It Easy to Offer Outdoor Perks ### Access to Curated Outdoor Discounts Working Advantage provides comprehensive employee discount programs that include special pricing on outdoor gear and adventure travel. Their marketplace negotiates bulk discounts that individual companies could never secure on their own for employees. The digital platform allows employees to browse and redeem offers whenever inspiration for outdoor activities strikes them. ### Seamless Integration With Your Current Employee Benefits Platform Working Advantage's employee perks platform integrates smoothly with existing HR systems with minimal administrative overhead. Implementation typically takes less than two weeks, with customizable options that highlight outdoor offerings matching company culture. Working Advantage provides detailed analytics on program usage, helping companies understand which offerings resonate most with employees. ## Tips for Promoting Outdoor Perks Internally ### Encourage Regular and Creative Communication Promoting the benefits of spending time outdoors requires consistent messaging across email newsletters, internal social platforms, and physical office spaces. Sharing stories of employees who feel rejuvenated after outdoor activities can inspire others to follow suit. Creating dedicated channels where employees share outdoor photos and tips fosters a sense of community and highlights the positive impact of nature on well-being. ### Involve Leadership and Team Leads When leaders openly discuss how time outdoors enhances their well-being and productivity, it normalizes these healthy habits across the organization. Executives and team leads who prioritize outdoor breaks set a positive example, showing that time in nature is beneficial and achievable. Organizing team outings in natural settings can also strengthen relationships while offering mental rejuvenation. ### Inspire Friendly Competitions and Challenges Hosting challenges like "Trail Tuesday" or "2,000 Steps at Lunch" can increase participation and add a sense of fun to being active outdoors. Celebrating achievements, whether with small rewards or a simple shoutout, reinforces positive habits. Tailoring challenges to the season and local weather helps maintain enthusiasm and encourages consistent outdoor activity year-round. ## Help Employees Unplug and Recharge In an era where digital burnout threatens workforce wellbeing, outdoor-focused employee perks offer a compelling solution. By implementing thoughtful employee discount programs that encourage nature exploration, companies invest in their team's mental health and encourage [employee retention](https://employers.workingadvantage.com/blog-content?item_id=e1f9e525-5b90-417d-97f1-18bd644b1591). Companies that focus on long-term success will recognize how outdoor experiences contribute to employee well-being and a thoughtful work-life balance. Through partners like Working Advantage, implementing these benefits has never been easier or more cost-effective for businesses.
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