After the fitness subscription, there is now also the nature subscription

Employers want to invest in the mental health of their employees and what better way to do that than by taking them into some sort of tax efficient forest class? In countries like the UK and Japan, organizations have been taking their employees outdoors for some time, but in Belgium the formula is only now officially being rolled out. Corporate sustainability specialist Forest Fwd partners with Hoge Kempen National Park and markets nature subscriptions. Fellows can be guided through the Limburg Nature Reserve several times a year. There are different types of tours, some focusing on relaxation, others referring to the consequences of climate change. Lucky birds can roll up their sleeves and build swallow nests themselves, for example.

“You can compare our subscription formula to a fitness subscription, but with a lot more impact and social added value,” says Forest Fwd. Fellows can take a break in nature or find inspiration for the next project. In addition, the initiators point out that those who participate in nature directly support one of the many nature projects that restore biodiversity in the national park. Entry prices start at €45 per person and go up to €65 if you want to participate in a smaller group.

HR and wellbeing advisor Attentia is the first Belgian company to offer its employees a subscription. Soon the first group will leave to relax in the woods. Karen Hoisfeld, CEO of the company, sees taking part in nature as an additional way to attract applicants. This is not always evident in a competitive job market. In addition, it wants to invest in the psychological well-being of its employees. “Happy employees are the driving force behind successful organizations,” she says. The attentive reader might wonder if a little extra net might lift morale, but in a country with the highest labor tax burden in the world, that is not easy to achieve.

Finally, the Flemish Minister of Nature Sahel Demir (N-VA), who was present at the presentation of the project, praised the arrival of nature subscriptions. It seems that “not only nature is the big winner in this, but also all the Flemings”. In the future, the concept could be extended to other nature areas.