Creating a healthier, happier workforce has become a priority for organisations of every size. From reducing sickness absence and improving morale to attracting and retaining talented employees, businesses are increasingly recognising that investing in employee wellbeing isn't simply the right thing to do, it's also good for business.

But with so many employee wellbeing ideas available, it can be difficult to know which initiatives will deliver meaningful, long-term results rather than becoming another underused workplace perk.

That's where cycling stands out.

Encouraging employees to cycle to work supports both physical and mental health while helping to create a more engaged, productive workforce. With a cycle to work scheme such as Cyclescheme, employees can make active travel part of their working week while saving money on a new bike and eligible cycling equipment.

In this guide, we'll explore why cycling is one of the most effective employee wellbeing ideas, the evidence behind its benefits and how introducing a salary sacrifice cycle scheme can support a healthier workplace culture.

Why is employee wellbeing important?

Employee wellbeing is important because healthier employees are typically happier, more engaged and better equipped to perform at their best. Organisations that invest in wellbeing often see benefits including improved morale, reduced sickness absence and stronger employee retention, making wellbeing a key part of long-term business success.

Today's employees expect more from their employer than simply a competitive salary. Flexible working, mental health support and meaningful employee wellbeing initiatives have become increasingly important when choosing where to work and whether to stay with an organisation.

For employers, the challenge is finding employee wellbeing programmes that genuinely improve employees' day-to-day lives rather than offering one-off incentives with limited long-term impact.

Physical activity is one of the few initiatives that positively influences multiple areas of wellbeing at once. Regular movement supports physical health, reduces stress, improves concentration and helps employees feel more energised throughout the working day. When that activity becomes part of someone's daily commute, those benefits become even easier to maintain over the long term.

This is why active travel, including cycling to work, is increasingly being recognised as an important part of a successful employee wellbeing strategy.

Sport England's latest evidence review highlights that active travel, including cycling to work, has significant potential to improve physical activity levels, health and wellbeing. It also notes that creating opportunities for active travel can deliver long-term benefits for both individuals and employers by making physical activity part of everyday life. 

The cost of poor workplace wellbeing

Poor wellbeing affects far more than employee health.

When employees experience prolonged stress, inactivity or burnout, businesses may also see increases in:

• sickness absence
• presenteeism (being at work but not performing at full capacity)
• reduced engagement
• lower productivity
• higher staff turnover

These challenges don't just impact individuals. They affect entire teams and ultimately influence organisational performance.

That's why more employers are looking beyond traditional perks and investing in healthy workplace initiatives that encourage positive habits every day, rather than only when problems arise.

Cycling is one such initiative because it combines physical activity, sustainable travel and employee benefits into one simple solution.

Employee wellbeing is about prevention, not just support

Historically, many organisations have focused on supporting employees once wellbeing concerns have already developed. Today's leading employers are taking a more preventative approach.

Rather than waiting until stress, poor physical health or disengagement become significant issues, they're introducing employee wellness programmes that help their teams build healthier habits from the outset.

Cycling naturally supports this preventative mindset.

Instead of asking employees to find additional time to exercise outside work, cycling allows many people to incorporate movement into a journey they're already making.

That small daily change can have a lasting impact over weeks, months and even years.

Ready to strengthen your employee wellbeing strategy?

If you're looking for employee wellbeing ideas that deliver lasting value rather than short-term engagement, cycling is an excellent place to start.

With Cyclescheme, employers can introduce a simple cycle to work scheme that helps employees save on bikes and eligible cycling equipment through salary sacrifice, making active commuting more affordable and accessible.

Whether you're developing new employee wellbeing programmes or enhancing your existing employee benefits, Cyclescheme can help your organisation support healthier habits that last long after the working day ends.

Visit the Cyclescheme website to discover how your organisation can join the scheme and support employee wellbeing through cycling.

Why is cycling one of the best employee wellbeing ideas?

Cycling is one of the best employee wellbeing ideas because it supports physical health, mental wellbeing and workplace productivity simultaneously. Unlike one-off wellbeing initiatives, cycling encourages sustainable lifestyle changes that employees can enjoy every day, making it a benefit that continues delivering value long after it's introduced.

Many workplace perks are designed to provide a temporary boost. A free lunch, a wellbeing day or a team social event can all have their place, but their impact is often short-lived. Cycling is different.

When employees begin cycling to work regularly, the benefits build over time. Each commute adds physical activity to the working week and helps employees build healthier routines around a journey they're already making.

For employers, this means investing in an initiative that doesn't simply improve one afternoon or one week. It has the potential to influence employee wellbeing for years.

Cycling supports physical and mental wellbeing together

Many workplace wellbeing ideas focus on one specific area. Some target physical health through discounted gym memberships. Others concentrate on mental wellbeing through counselling or mindfulness sessions. Cycling offers both.

Regular cycling encourages physical activity while providing valuable time away from workplace pressures, helping employees arrive at work feeling refreshed, energised and ready to focus.

For employees who commute by bike, that transition between home and work can also provide valuable time to decompress before and after the working day.

Cycling is accessible for employees at different fitness levels

One of the biggest advantages of cycling is that it can be adapted to suit different abilities and commutes. Employees don't need to be experienced cyclists to enjoy the benefits. Some may start with a short journey to work on a flat route. Others may cycle part of their commute or choose to ride on certain working days. An e-bike can also make longer distances and hillier routes feel more manageable.

That flexibility makes cycling to work an inclusive employee wellbeing idea for people with different levels of cycling experience and confidence.

Sport England's latest guidance for employers highlights that encouraging employees to move more during everyday life can improve concentration, morale and overall workplace wellbeing. It identifies physical activity as an important contributor to creating healthier, happier and more productive workforces. 

Helping employees build healthier habits with Cyclescheme

Introducing a cycle to work scheme isn't simply about providing access to a bike. It's about giving employees an opportunity to build healthier habits that become part of everyday life.

Cyclescheme helps employees save up to 47% on a bike and eligible cycling equipment, with the cost spread through salary sacrifice. Employees can choose from more than 2,600 retailers across the UK, including independent bike shops, major stores, online retailers and brands direct.

Whether someone is returning to cycling after many years or buying their very first bike, Cyclescheme helps remove one of the biggest barriers to getting started: affordability.

And when more employees feel able to cycle, organisations take another positive step towards creating a workplace culture that genuinely values employee wellbeing.

How does cycling improve physical wellbeing at work?

Cycling improves physical wellbeing at work by helping employees build regular physical activity into their working week. Whether cycling to the office every day or choosing the bike for some commutes each week, employees can add more movement to a journey they're already making.

One of the biggest barriers to exercise is finding the time. Busy schedules, family commitments and long commutes often leave little room for regular physical activity. Cycling helps overcome this challenge by turning an everyday journey into an opportunity to move.

Instead of viewing exercise as another task to fit into the day, employees can make physical activity part of their normal routine. Over time, those small, consistent journeys can make a meaningful difference to overall health and wellbeing.

For employers, encouraging active commuting through a cycle to work scheme can help create a healthier workforce while supporting wider employee wellbeing initiatives.

Regular cycling supports long-term health

Unlike high-intensity exercise programmes that can feel intimidating or difficult to maintain, cycling is accessible and sustainable. Employees can ride at their own pace, gradually increasing their confidence and fitness over time.

Regular cycling has been associated with a range of health benefits, including supporting:

• cardiovascular health
• joint-friendly, low-impact exercise
• healthy weight management
• muscle strength and endurance
• improved energy levels throughout the working day

Because cycling places relatively little stress on the joints compared with activities such as running, it's also an exercise that many people can continue enjoying well into later life.

Cycling can help employees feel more energised

It's easy to assume that physical activity leaves people feeling tired. In reality, the opposite is often true.

Many employees find that cycling before work helps them feel more alert, while an evening ride provides an opportunity to unwind after a busy day.

Replacing a stressful commute with an active one can also help employees arrive at work feeling refreshed rather than frustrated.

That increased energy doesn't just benefit the individual. It can positively influence collaboration, motivation and overall workplace morale.

Recent research supports the connection between active commuting and employee health. A 2024 study of almost 17,000 public-sector employees found that increasing the amount people walked or cycled to work was associated with improvements in work ability. Research published by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health in 2025 also linked regular cycling to work with reduced sickness absence and better perceived health and work ability.

How does cycling support mental wellbeing at work?

Cycling supports mental wellbeing at work by helping to reduce stress, improve mood and create a healthier separation between work and home life. Even relatively short rides can provide valuable time to reset, making employees feel calmer, more focused and better prepared for the day ahead.

Looking after mental wellbeing at work has never been more important.

Many employees juggle demanding workloads, family responsibilities and increasingly busy schedules, making it essential for employers to consider initiatives that genuinely support mental health. Cycling offers a simple but effective solution.

Unlike sitting in traffic or travelling on crowded public transport, cycling gives employees dedicated time outdoors, away from screens and workplace pressures. For many people, that commute becomes valuable thinking time - a chance to process ideas, clear their mind or simply enjoy a few moments of fresh air before arriving at work.

Cycling encourages healthier routines

Mental wellbeing isn't only influenced by major life events. Daily habits matter too.

Cycling encourages employees to:

• spend more time outdoors
• establish consistent routines
• reduce sedentary behaviour
• build confidence through achievable goals
• make time for themselves each day

These small lifestyle changes often have a cumulative effect, helping people feel more positive and resilient over time.

Creating a healthier work-life transition

One challenge many employees face is mentally switching between work and home. For those who work in hybrid roles, that boundary can feel even more blurred. Cycling naturally creates a transition.

The journey home provides time to decompress after meetings, emails and deadlines, while the morning ride offers an opportunity to begin the day feeling refreshed and focused. This can make it easier to leave work behind at the end of the day and return the next morning with renewed energy.

The Mental Health Foundation highlights that regular movement can support mental wellbeing by reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood and helping people feel more alert and energised. For employees, cycling can provide a practical way to build that movement into everyday life, particularly when it forms part of the commute. 

Can cycling improve productivity at work?

Yes. Cycling can improve productivity at work by helping employees arrive feeling more alert, focused and energised. Regular physical activity has also been linked with improved concentration, better cognitive performance and increased workplace engagement, all of which can contribute to higher productivity over time.

When employers think about employee engagement ideas, productivity is often one of the biggest priorities. Engaged employees are more likely to collaborate effectively, solve problems creatively and contribute positively to workplace culture.

While no single initiative provides an instant solution, encouraging healthier lifestyles can play an important role in supporting long-term performance. 

Cycling is particularly valuable because it combines physical activity with everyday commuting. Instead of asking employees to dedicate extra hours each week to exercise, it integrates movement into a journey they're already making. That consistency often makes cycling easier to maintain than many other workplace wellbeing initiatives.

Active employees are often more engaged

Employees who feel physically and mentally well are more likely to feel engaged with their work.

By supporting employee wellbeing programmes that encourage healthier lifestyles, organisations demonstrate that they value their people beyond day-to-day productivity targets. That investment can help strengthen workplace culture while contributing to improved employee satisfaction and retention.

For many organisations, introducing a cycle to work scheme becomes part of a wider commitment to supporting corporate wellbeing, creating an environment where healthier choices are encouraged rather than expected.

Cycling supports a more positive working day

A productive day doesn't begin at 9am. It often begins with the journey to work.

Employees who arrive feeling energised, refreshed and mentally prepared are often in a better position to approach meetings, solve problems and collaborate with colleagues. Cycling can help create exactly that kind of positive start.

Combined with other workplace wellness ideas, such as flexible working, wellbeing support and healthy workplace initiatives, cycling becomes another valuable tool for helping employees perform at their best.

Help your employees feel their best with Cyclescheme

Supporting employee wellbeing doesn't have to involve expensive programmes or complex wellbeing strategies. Sometimes, the simplest ideas have the greatest long-term impact.

By introducing a salary sacrifice cycle scheme through Cyclescheme, employers can make cycling more affordable while giving employees access to a practical employee benefit that supports both physical and mental wellbeing.

Whether your goal is to improve engagement, encourage healthier commuting or strengthen your overall employee wellbeing strategy, Cyclescheme can help you build a happier, healthier and more productive workforce.

Visit the Cyclescheme website to find out how your organisation can join the scheme and help employees enjoy the benefits of cycling.

How can cycling help create a healthier workplace culture?

Cycling helps create a healthier workplace culture by encouraging employees to make wellbeing part of their everyday routine. As more people choose to cycle, organisations often see a positive shift towards healthier habits, stronger social connections and a workplace where wellbeing is actively supported rather than simply discussed.

A positive workplace culture isn't built through one initiative alone however. It's created through the everyday behaviours that become part of working life.

When employees regularly cycle to work, take lunchtime rides or participate in workplace cycling challenges, healthy habits become visible across the organisation. That visibility can inspire colleagues to make positive lifestyle changes of their own, helping wellbeing become embedded within company culture.

Unlike some employee wellbeing initiatives that take place once a year, cycling has the potential to influence employees every day.

Cycling brings colleagues together

While cycling is often seen as an individual activity, it can also strengthen workplace relationships.

Many organisations encourage employees to:

• organise group rides before or after work
• take part in cycling challenges
• celebrate Bike Week and other active travel campaigns
• support colleagues who are new to cycling
• share local cycling routes and commuting tips

These simple activities help create opportunities for employees from different teams to connect outside their usual working environment.

For employers looking for practical employee engagement ideas, cycling can help foster a stronger sense of community while supporting healthier lifestyles.

Supporting sustainability and corporate wellbeing

Today's organisations are increasingly looking for ways to support both people and the planet. Encouraging more employees to cycle contributes to broader corporate wellbeing goals while also supporting sustainability strategies by reducing reliance on car travel.

Many organisations already include cycling within wider healthy workplace initiatives, recognising that active commuting can support employee wellbeing while contributing towards environmental objectives.

It's one example of how a single initiative can deliver benefits across multiple areas of a business.

The 2025 Walking and Cycling Index, produced by the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, found that cycling generated an estimated £1.81 billion in annual economic benefits across the UK Index areas. The report also found that 30% of cycling trips were journeys to work, highlighting the important role active commuting can play in delivering wider health, environmental and economic benefits. 

Why is a Cycle to Work scheme one of the best employee wellbeing ideas?

A cycle to work scheme is one of the best employee wellbeing ideas because it removes one of the biggest barriers to cycling: affordability. By helping employees spread the cost of a new bike and eligible cycling equipment, employers can encourage healthier commuting habits that benefit both individuals and the organisation over the long term.

Many businesses want to support wellbeing but aren't sure where to begin. The most successful initiatives are often those that are practical, inclusive and easy for employees to access.

That's exactly why a salary sacrifice cycle scheme continues to be one of the UK's most popular employee benefits.

Rather than asking employees to make a significant upfront investment, the scheme allows eligible employees to spread the cost of a new bike and accessories through salary sacrifice, making cycling a more realistic option for many people.

For employers, implementation is straightforward. For employees, the impact can last for years.

Long-term benefits rather than one-off perks

Healthy habits can support employee wellbeing long after a one-off workplace event has finished. Cycling to work gives employees a practical way to build more movement into their working week and make active travel part of their routine.

Regular cycling to work can support:

• Better physical wellbeing at work
• Stronger mental wellbeing at work
• Improved confidence
• Healthier commuting habits
• Greater employee satisfaction

When organisations invest in initiatives that employees continue using long after launch, they're creating genuine value rather than simply adding another workplace perk.

Making cycling accessible through Cyclescheme

At Cyclescheme, we believe that more people should have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of cycling.

Our cycle to work scheme helps employers support healthier lifestyles by making bikes and eligible cycling equipment more affordable through salary sacrifice.

Whether employees are purchasing their first hybrid bike for commuting, upgrading to a lightweight road bike or choosing an e-bike to tackle longer journeys, Cyclescheme helps remove financial barriers that might otherwise prevent them from getting started.

It's a simple way to invest in your people while supporting a healthier, happier workplace.

Ready to transform employee wellbeing with Cyclescheme?

Employee wellbeing strategies work best when healthy choices fit naturally into people's lives. The commute gives employers a rare opportunity to do that five days a week without asking staff to find another hour for a class, appointment or activity.

Cyclescheme removes another major barrier: cost. Employees can save up to 47% on a bike and eligible cycling equipment through salary sacrifice and choose from more than 2,600 retailers. Employers get a free-to-run benefit that can generate NIC savings too.

Give your people a better way to work. Join Cyclescheme today.