“Belgium Offers Tax-Efficient Nature Subscriptions for Employee Well-Being”

Employers want to invest in the mental well-being of their employees and what better way to do that than by taking them on a tax-efficient variant of forest classes? In countries such as the United Kingdom and Japan, organizations have been taking their staff out into nature for some time, but in Belgium the formula is only now being officially rolled out. Forest Fwd, a sustainability specialist for companies, is joining forces with the Hoge Kempen National Park and is marketing nature subscriptions. Colleagues can be guided through the Limburg nature reserve several times a year. There are different types of tours, some focus on relaxation, others point out the consequences of climate change. Lucky birds can even roll up their sleeves and build swallow nests themselves, for example.

“You could compare our subscription formula with a fitness subscription, but with a lot more impact and social added value,” says Forest Fwd. Colleagues can take a breather in nature or find inspiration for the next project. In addition, the initiators point out that those who take out a nature subscription directly support one of the many nature projects that restore biodiversity in the National Park. The rates for a subscription start at 45 euros per person and rise to 65 euros if you want to participate in a smaller group.

HR and well-being advisor Attentia is the first Belgian company to offer its employees a subscription. Soon a first group will leave to relax in the forest. Carine Huysveld, the company’s CEO, sees the nature subscription as an additional means of attracting applicants. This is not always obvious in a competitive labor 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. An attentive reader might wonder if a little extra net might boost morale, but in a country with the highest tax burden on labor in the world, it’s not easy to pull off.

Finally, Flemish Minister of Nature Zuhal Demir (N-VA), who was present at the presentation of the project, applauds the arrival of nature subscriptions. “Not only nature is the big winner of this, but by extension all Flemish people,” it sounds. In the future, the concept may be expanded to other nature areas.