Integrating the outdoors into employee benefits and programming isn't just a perk—it's a strategic investment in well-being, retention, and culture. From flexible schedules that support time outside, to trail passes, team hikes, or wellness stipends for outdoor gear, these offerings reinforce a healthy work-life balance. They also reflect an organization's values and attract talent who seek meaningful, lifestyle-aligned work. Whether a team works in-office, hybrid, or remote, outdoor-focused benefits can boost morale, foster connection, and recharge productivity.
TYPES OF BENEFITS
In the following section, there are three key categories of employee benefits. Outdoor recreation can be thoughtfully integrated into each:
From health and transportation savings to wellness reimbursements and experiential perks, outdoor-focused options can enhance a well-rounded benefits package that supports employee health, engagement, and overall satisfaction.
PRE-TAX BENEFIT
Pre-tax benefits reduce the taxable income of employees, which can result in immediate tax savings for them. This can make the benefit more
attractive and financially advantageous. We’ll be reviewing pre-tax benefit options, including paid time off and incentives for green commuting.
RESOURCE: Here is a sample employee survey that can inform what to build into a
benefits package that truly resonates with staff. Simple surveys can reveal valuable insights into the types of outdoor focused benefits they’d use and appreciate. Free or low-cost tools like Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, or Typeform make it easy to gather feedback.
PAID TIME OFF (PTO)
Traditional PTO has evolved in today’s workforce, with employees increasingly valuing flexibility and time off that supports their personal interests and overall well-being. Employers can respond to this shift by offering more adaptable policies—such as providing personal days in addition to vacation time to accommodate appointments and life needs, or implementing unlimited PTO—to promote autonomy, support outdoor lifestyles, and encourage a healthier work-life balance.
FIELD NOTES: Silvertech in Bedford offers an unlimited PTO policy after five years to provide flexibility while promoting work-life balance.
GREEN COMMUTING
Employees are increasingly mindful of their environmental impact, and encouraging alternative transportation is a meaningful way to stand out as an employer. Depending on location, consider benefits such as subsidizing public transportation passes. As a starting point, seek low-cost, easy-tomanage strategies like providing rail trail maps or organizing a staff ride share.
PRO TIP: Partner with a local bike shop to offer discounts on gear or tune-ups—promoting active commuting, sustainability, and employee wellness.
POST-TAX BENEFIT
Post-tax benefits offer more flexibility, letting employees add value to fit their needs. Unlike pre-tax options, they can cover a wider range of items — including outdoor-related expenses. We will cover Lifestyle Spending Accounts and Wellness Programs in this section.
LIFESTYLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS (LSA)
Looking for a fun, flexible way to support a team’s outdoor lifestyle? Lifestyle Spending Accounts (LSAs) make that happen. These post-tax, employer-funded benefits can cover everything from state park passes and outdoor gear to fitness classes and outdoor survival skills courses — giving employees the freedom to choose what helps them feel their best. It’s a great way to show a company’s culture in action and support the people who power the business.
For companies based in New Hampshire, offering LSAs is a cost-effective way to encourage employees to take advantage of the state’s abundant natural resources while reinforcing an employee experience grounded in well-being and work-life balance.
To get started with creating an LSA , consult with payroll or benefits providers to determine administration options and tax considerations, or explore third-party platforms like
Forma that specialize in customizable LSA programs.
FIELD NOTES: Badger Balm offers a Wellness Fund (LSA) to fulltime and part-time employees for a range of wellbeing expenses. Full-time employees can receive up to $1,000 and part-time employees up to $625 each calendar year.
WELLNESS PROGRAMS
If a company is running a small team with limited space or budget, wellness programs don’t need to be complicated or expensive. Whether
it's organizing group hikes, mindful meditations, or a birdwatching club, these programs create opportunities for employees to recharge in nature —something proven to reduce stress, boost mood, and enhance overall resilience.
A 2023 Dove Press Study shows that regular engagement with the outdoors not only improves individual health, but also translates into higher levels of employee engagement, productivity, and morale. As a post-tax benefit, these programs are a flexible, cost-effective way to invest in people while reinforcing a culture of balance, vitality, and connection to the environment.
Here in New Hampshire, access to the outdoors is never out of reach, and it is to an employer’s advantage to embrace local outdoor recreation infrastructure as well as the natural amenities throughout the state. For example, organizing a weekly group bike ride program on the local rail trail is a great starting point for employees interested in cycling. A longer term goal for the group could be to complete a full-day bike pack trip on an established route like the
Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail or the
New Hampshire Seacoast Greenway. Explore options across the state through the
New Hampshire Rail Trails Coalition.
FIELD NOTES: Lindt Chocolates in Stratham leverages a variety of outdoor recreation clubs designed to bring team members together, promote a healthy lifestyle, and build a sense of community.
FACTS & FIGURES: 77% of workers say stress negatively impacts their health, according to
Headspace's Workforce State of Mind report. Offering outlets for outdoor recreation can help relieve stress and increase employee well-being.
EMPLOYEE PERKS
Non-monetary employee perks can be just as valuable as financial incentives, often leading to increased job satisfaction, retention, and a
stronger company culture.
COMPANY GEAR
Instead of giving out another employer-branded coffee mug, incentivize employees through cool, functional gear. Partner with one of Granite
Outdoor Alliance’s
130+ members to gift high-quality swag like jackets, packs, or camping drink-ware that employees will actually use and
appreciate. Supporting in-state makers strengthens local economies and builds company pride. It’s a simple way to boost morale while connecting teams to place and purpose.
FIELD NOTES: NH Community Loan Fund team members model their
BaileyWorks bags, sewn by hand in the USA.
OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT PROGRAMS
Outdoor gear programs are a smart, low-cost way to support employee wellness and encourage active lifestyles. By starting a gear loan program— or covering employees’ costs for an existing gear library, like the
Bethlehem Trail Association — employers make it easier for employees to access the outdoors without needing to invest in gear themselves. Inviting staff to form a small team to lead the initiative not only fosters community but also creates opportunities for leadership and engagement beyond traditional workplace responsibilities.
FIELD NOTES: REI runs a successful employee gear loan program to encourage outdoor activity.
PRO TIP: Multiple companies can come together and offer a gear library or
support an existing one. Pool resources to reduce costs while providing access to quality outdoor equipment.
HYBRID/REMOTE WORK
Hybrid, remote, and coworking policies help largely rural, outdoorfocused states like New Hampshire attract and keep talent by allowing
people to live where they love without sacrificing job opportunities. These flexible setups reduce commuting barriers, support local
economies, and promote a better work-life balance with easy access to nature. Coworking spaces also bring energy and business into small
towns, while remote work reduces environmental impact and strengthens local economic resilience. Altogether, implementing these
policies can help make New Hampshire a more livable, sustainable, and future-ready place to work.
PRO TIP: Consider coworking spaces near outdoor communities to boost productivity, support networking, and attract talent.
FACTS & FIGURES: 57% of workers would look for a new job if their current company didn’t allow remote work, according to an
Indeed survey.
FLEX SCHEDULE
Flexible scheduling can take many forms, from compressed workweeks to adjustable start times, depending on a company's needs. Offering flex scheduling can encourage employees to explore outdoor pursuits and make a stronger connection to a company’s outdoor-focused values. Here are some examples of what flex scheduling for outdoor enthusiasts can look like:
- QUIET FRIDAYS: Walden Mutual Bank implements “Quiet Fridays.” No clientfacing meetings are scheduled and employees can take the day for deep work or rejuvenation (for example, working in the morning and taking time in the afternoon to ski or go for a hike).
- COMPRESSED WORKWEEK: An employee may choose to work at any time as long as they remain productive for the required work hours needed to complete their job.
- Flexible Start and End Times: Employees choose when to begin and end their workday within set limits (e.g., starting anytime between 7–10 AM.
- Core Hours Policy: Employees must be available during designated core hours (e.g., 10 AM–2 PM) but can work flexibly outside of that window.
- Summer Fridays: Employees get Friday afternoons off (or the whole day) during summer months to enjoy extended weekends.
- Pow Days or Adventure Days: Policies that let employees take spontaneous time off to enjoy fresh snowfall or a great weather window, promoting worklife balance and an outdoor-focused culture.
TRAVEL ASSISTANCE
As a benefit, the value of travel is almost instantly recognizable. An employee concierge service or travel club can be valuable for outdoor enthusiasts because it helps them plan and prepare for their next adventure with ease. From booking discount travel and accommodations to finding gear, securing park permits, or even sourcing last-minute essentials, the concierge takes care of the details so employees can focus on the fun.
Most companies have at least one business credit card. Consider a card that has travel points to be able to ‘gift’ them for employee referrals or other milestones. Facilitating travel sends a clear message about the value employers place on their employees’ time off, resulting in an incredible amount of goodwill, increased productivity, and heightened employee engagement.
FIELD NOTES: Fidelity Investments offers concierge service to assist with personal needs, including gifts, event planning, travel, and dining reservations.
REWARDS AND RECOGNITION INCENTIVES
Reward and recognition incentives are powerful tools for boosting employee morale, motivation, and retention. Design a program so employees have a clear goal and timeline to work toward. Incorporating outdoor recreation into rewards—like ski passes, lodging vouchers, or gear giveaways — is a unique way to align perks with lifestyle values, encouraging a healthy work-life balance while celebrating the team’s achievements.
FIELD NOTES: Bank of NH offers discounted lift tickets as part of recognition programs to promote retention and employee satisfaction.