It may sound like a pipe dream, but at Icebug, it’s a reality!
We don't just talk the talk, we walk the walk. Our commitment to being a good steward of the planet is at the heart of everything we do. We put our money where our mouth is by giving our employees three on-the-clock hours a week to get outside and be active.
Wellness hours unite all Icebug employees. Whether based out of the HQ office in Jonsered, Sweden, a satellite office across the ocean, or remotely from their home office, employees take three hours a week to step away from their computers and exercise outdoors.
At the HQ, the office takes their Wellness Hour together. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, coworkers set their projects aside and take to the trails together. Trail running and hiking are the main order of the day, but a friendly game of soccer is not unheard of!
Icebug employees based in satellite offices or working remotely take their three hours in a more unstructured schedule. They step away from their computer when it works for them and do not need to report their activity. Keeping it flexible makes it easier for remote workers to incorporate into their workflow and increases the likelihood that they will take advantage of their wellness hours.
But why? In this world focused on productivity and maximizing productivity, why are we not just allowing but insisting that our employees spend three hours a week outside enjoying themselves? The answer is simple – it’s good for us!
The benefits of our Wellness Hour initiative go beyond the obvious benefits of incorporating physical movement into our workday. The mental health benefits are enormous! Spending three hours of our work week outside lowers stress levels, allows us to step back from challenges and refocus after, and lets us connect with coworkers on a personal level.
What do you think? How would you spend three paid hours outside?
•
•
1 w
If I had 3 paid outdoor hours, I'd be hiking or exploring local parks. Maybe even some bird watching! This would be such a refreshing break from the daily grind.
•
•
1 w
this can be a good way of enhancing employees productivity
•
•
1 w
It's refreshing to see a company prioritize holistic wellness in this way, recognizing the value of work-life balance and the importance of connecting with nature.
•
•
1 w
I think this sounds like a fantastic initiative, we should definitely spend more time outdoors when nature is available and activate ourselves if we can. I just wonder what happens to people with physical disabilities, how do you take them into account in this policy? :)