Workplace experience in nature: how Center Parcs focuses on connection

What if workplace experience literally feels like going on vacation every day?

For Erik Smit, ESG & Risk Manager at Center Parcs De Vossemeren, this is not just a slogan. It is reality.

In the heart of nature, surrounded by happy families, Center Parcs builds a workplace experience every day that revolves around fun, connection, and impact.

On this page, you can discover his vision and watch the full interview.

Watch the video here in which Erik explains how Center Parcs shapes the workplace experience and why connection is key.

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Workplace experience as a daily vacation

For Erik, workplace experience means something very concrete: going to work every day and feeling like you're on vacation.

Every day, he sees happy guests in the park. Families relaxing, enjoying themselves, and connecting. That positive energy rubs off on employees.

Workplace experience is here:

• Working in a natural environment
• Daily contact with happy guests
• Enjoyment and fun as part of the culture
• Be proud of where you work

When you literally walk in the woods during your workday, work feels different.

Workplace experience in 2026: connecting with each other

The top priority for 2026 is clear: connection.

Just as Center Parcs wants to connect guests with nature, it also wants to strengthen the bonds between its employees.

A strong workplace experience revolves around:

• Interconnection
• Collaboration
• A sense of building together
• Getting to know each other really well

Connection is not a side issue. It is the basis of a pleasant workplace.

Small change, big impact on workplace experience

Sometimes innovation lies in onboarding.

Center Parcs revamped its entire onboarding process. New employees no longer start with a traditional presentation, but with an escape room in one of the cottages.

Performing tasks together. Solving puzzles together. Escaping together.

The result?

• Faster team spirit
• Spontaneous collaboration
• A playful first impression of the organization
• A strong first experience of workplace experience

Onboarding became an experience. And that makes all the difference.

What has changed in recent years?

The biggest change in the past 2 to 3 years? A complete rebranding.

Center Parcs renovated:

• Logo
• Mission
• Vision
• Positioning

With an even stronger focus on environmentally responsible business practices.

Workplace experience cannot be viewed separately from social impact here. The organization wants to:

• Making a positive social impact
• Treating nature and the environment with respect
• Connecting people, with each other and with their environment

That creates pride. And pride enhances the workplace experience.

Workplace experience is about making an impact

At Center Parcs, workplace experience goes beyond job satisfaction. It's about meaning.

Employees feel that they contribute to:

• Happy holidays
• Connection between families
• Care for nature
• Social impact

And according to Erik, you feel that every day when you walk into the park and see only happy people.

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