Why Bike Leasing Is the Next Must-Have Employee Benefit
- Nick Lombardino
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Written by Lease a Bike US
In today's new world of work, employee expectations have shifted. Talent seeks more than a paycheck; they want flexibility, purpose, and genuine support for their well-being. If employers don't deliver, top talent has made it clear they will vote with their feet.
For HR leaders, this presents a constant challenge: how do we create an environment that attracts great people and helps them thrive? While we often focus on in-office perks, one of the most powerful and overlooked tools for cultural transformation is sitting in the garage: the bicycle. Promoting a bike-centric culture through a bike leasing employee benefit isn't just about a new way to commute. It's a strategic investment in your employees' health, your company's productivity, and your bottom line.
Bike leasing employee benefit: a powerful boost for employee wellness
A healthy workforce is a productive one, and today "health" is a holistic concept of mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Cycling is one of the simplest ways to support all three.
The mental health benefits are profound. Cycling is an aerobic exercise proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression [1]. The rhythmic motion, combined with fresh air and natural light, provides a mental reset. It lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) while stimulating endorphins and serotonin, the brain's "feel-good" chemicals [2]. Employees often report better sleep and a greater sense of mindfulness.
The physical advantages are just as compelling. Research shows that employees who get regular, vigorous exercise take fewer sick days. One Johns Hopkins report found that those who exercise at least 75 minutes per week miss an average of 4.1 fewer days of work per year [3]. This translates directly into reduced absenteeism and lower healthcare costs.
Fueling productivity and your bottom line
Employees who bike don't just arrive at work awake. They arrive primed for success. Morning exercise is shown to improve brain function, meaning your team members start the day more focused, creative, and ready to tackle complex problems [4].
A study from the University of East Anglia found that employees who walk or cycle to work report being better able to concentrate and feeling under less strain than colleagues who drive [5]. This heightened focus benefits the individual and ripples across the team, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
The financial return is clear. Beyond savings from reduced absenteeism, a cycling culture can lower operational costs like parking. It's a win-win: employees save on gas and car maintenance, and the company benefits from a more vibrant and resilient workforce.
Becoming an employer of choice for modern talent
In a competitive job market, your benefits package is a core part of your employer brand. For Millennial and Gen Z employees, a company's values matter. These generations consistently cite climate action and work-life balance as top priorities when choosing an employer [6].
Offering a bike leasing program sends a powerful message that your organization is forward-thinking, sustainable, and invested in its people. And this isn't just a perk for commuters. For remote or hybrid employees, a leased bike becomes a powerful wellness tool that encourages midday breaks, weekend adventures, and a tangible way to de-stress and stay active. With the e-bike revolution making cycling accessible to nearly everyone, it’s a truly inclusive benefit that supports work-life balance wherever your employees are.
The smart way to roll out a cycling benefit
Implementing a cycling benefit is simpler than you think. While some companies offer stipends, a modern bike leasing program is the most effective and hassle-free approach. A leasing model removes the significant upfront cost of a high-quality bike, which can be a major barrier. Instead, employees pay an affordable monthly fee for their dream bike.
These programs typically roll maintenance, repairs, and theft protection into one simple, seamless package. For HR, administration is streamlined through a dedicated online portal. By partnering with a leasing provider, you give employees the ultimate freedom of choice, connecting them with local bike shops to find the perfect ride.
As we gather at Culture Con West, let's think beyond the conventional. The most impactful benefits support the whole person. A bike leasing program does just that, creating a healthier, happier, and more engaged workforce—one ride at a time.
References
[1] "Exercise is an all-natural treatment to fight depression," Harvard Health Publishing. [2] "12 Benefits of Cycling, Plus Safety Tips," Healthline.com. [3] "Physical Activity in the Workplace," Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. [4] "The Mental Health Benefits of Biking to Work," Forbes. [5] "Walking or Cycling to Work ‘Improves Well-Being’," BBC. [6] "Gen Z in the Workplace: How Should Companies Adapt?," Johns Hopkins University.
About Lease a Bike US
Lease a Bike is on a mission to inspire people to ride. Our hassle-free employer program makes it easy for companies to offer the powerful benefit of bike leasing. With a simple online platform for HR and endless bike choices for employees, we help organizations build a culture of wellness and sustainability. Come say hello at our booth at CultureCon West 2025 to learn more!
About CultureCon®:
CultureCon®, a Certified B Corporation®, is on a mission to inspire positive change around organizational culture. Through large conferences, online courses, consulting services, and certification programs, we deliver experiences that provide practical tools and motivation for our customers to become cultural change agents within their organizations. Our customers include business owners, CxOs, HR leaders, senior management, individual contributors, and anyone who wants to build more uplifting, inspiring, and healthy workplaces.
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