Article

What if your employer paid you to go outside?

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!

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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?
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  • Ann Nyambura

    10 w

    what a world

    • George Kariuki

      26 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.

      4
      • Annett Michuki..

        26 w

        this can be a good way of enhancing employees productivity

        5
        • Princess

          26 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.

          3
          • Sarah Chabane

            26 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? :)

            5

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