Manson's Seattle Hiking Club

It is often a challenge to build a workplace community that champions connection among colleagues. With that in mind, Manson’s Northwest Operations Office Manager Melanie Erdman created a club this summer for employees in the Seattle area, offering an activity that boosts both physical and mental well-being.

Intent on connecting with her colleagues through fun and healthy group activities, Melanie decided to create a local club based on an activity she has enjoyed for over 20 years—hiking.

“I like to hike and I know some of my colleagues do, so I thought, ‘Let’s do it together!’” Melanie explains. “It’s a great way to hangout and enjoy each other’s company without talking about work.”

After sending out an invitation email to Manson employees in the Seattle network, she made a list of interested participants, and they worked together to create a list of hiking destinations to explore.

The first hike was on July 6th at Barclay Lake and drew 8 people. By the second week at Franklin Falls, attendance had grown to 14, with employees bringing their families along.

The Hiking Club on the Barclay Lake trail for their first hike.

“Hiking around the Puget Sound is such a great way to get

outside and is one of my family’s favorite hobbies,” shares Project Engineer-Estimator Brett Diener, a member of the Hiking Club. “My wife, 3-year-old daughter, and our dog have joined on each hike this summer. The scheduled hikes with your colleagues are a great way to anchor your weekend plans around the hike and make sure we enjoy them during the amazing Pacific Northwest summer weather.”

Studies show that hiking is good for both cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health, enhances balance and coordination, and helps maintain a healthy weight. It can also reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, combat diabetes, improve sleep quality, and even ease arthritis symptoms—according to National Geographic.

Aside from the physical benefits, hiking also enriches mental health. Being out in nature boosts moods, reduces stress, and can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. It also has cognitive benefits—sharpening the mind and enhancing creativity.

“I’m all about engaging people in the work environment and having people have a good cohesive experience in the workplace, not just inside but outside,” Melanie says.

Spending time hiking with colleagues doesn’t just strengthen personal bonds but also has a positive impact on the workplace. “People in the hiking club are meeting other people from different departments that they never would’ve talked to, and that’s been really nice to see,” Melanie explains. “I think being friends outside of the office or jobsite really improves collaboration and solidarity at work.”

The Club enjoying their second hike at Franklin Falls.

She believes that seeing colleagues outside of the office helps build trust, improve communication, and create more familiarity that carries over into work projects. When employees return to work feeling connected and less stressed, collaboration becomes smoother, and work is more efficient overall.

“It’s definitely a great way to connect with colleagues out of work, especially when everyone brings their families and we grab some lunch after the hike,” Brett adds. “It’s good to meet everyone’s families outside of work, and my daughter loves seeing Melanie on the hikes!”

For those interested in joining, the Hiking Club meets every other Saturday and plans to continue meeting as long as the weather allows throughout seasonal changes.

Melanie encourages others to create their own hiking club or other activity. “If you think of an idea, say something about it. There will be other people who want to join—I might start a pickleball club soon! It’s easy to send an email, and it only takes one person to lead.”

If you’re a Manson employee in the Seattle area who is interested in joining the club on a hike, contact Melanie Erdman to be added to the Seattle Hiking Club mailing list.

The Club before taking on their third hike at Twin Falls.