Provisional Met Office statistics suggest 2025 was the hottest summer on record so we’ve all spent plenty of time outdoors. But as the season begins to shift, the conversation around workplace wellbeing needs to evolve, too. While the sunny months have seen a surge in outdoor working, particularly when it comes to rooftop terraces and garden spaces, the challenge now is how we maintain the momentum and continue to support employee wellbeing via the outdoors as the days grow shorter.
Flexible workspace providers have been quick to respond to this growing interest in outdoor environments. From rooftop meeting pods to landscaped terraces, these spaces are becoming integral to how we think about healthy, productive work.
The wellbeing benefits of working outdoors
Research shows that spending just 120 minutes per week in nature can significantly improve physical and mental health. Exposure to sunlight helps combat fatigue and supports focus and attention restoration. Not to mention, time outdoors has been linked to enhanced creativity and problem-solving by as much as 50%, according to a University of Utah study.
There are also a number of risks associated with prolonged indoor desk work, including obesity, high blood pressure, and poor cholesterol levels. Outdoor environments offer an answer to some of these risks, encouraging movement, fresh air and a healthier work/ life balance.
The rise of rooftop workspace
Recent data from Rubberdesk highlights the scale of this outdoor workspace trend:
- Over 15% of flexible buildings in the UK now feature rooftop spaces.
- In London, that figure climbs to 16.1%, with SE1 leading the way.
- 73 flexible workspace operators offer rooftop terraces across their portfolios.
The Flexible Space Association (FlexSA) has seen that reflected first hand. Clockwise, Landmark, Mantle Space and Bruntwood are just a few examples of FlexSA member workspace providers that each bring their own unique approach to blending the outdoors with the working day. From vibrant rooftop terraces to lush community gardens and carefully designed courtyards, these outdoor spaces show what’s possible when workspace is designed with outdoor wellbeing benefits in mind.
Summer fad or long-term benefit?
As we move into autumn, the challenge becomes maintaining the wellbeing benefits of working outdoors. Fortunately, many workspace providers are already adapting to the seasonal shift, helping people stay connected to nature and maintain healthy routines.
- Covered terraces, outdoor heaters and seasonal landscaping are extending the usability of outdoor spaces, allowing people to enjoy fresh air and natural light even as the colder months creep in.
- Encouraging short outdoor breaks, even short walks around the neighbourhood, can boost mood, energy, and focus. Some workspace providers advertise local walking loops and some even provide eBikes for occupants to enjoy. These small moments of movement and daylight are especially valuable during darker months.
- Bringing nature indoors through biophilic design using things like plants, natural materials and daylight-mimicking lighting, can help create calming, restorative environments that support mental health. These are all things that clever flexible workspace providers incorporate into their plans.
These strategies are particularly important for those affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that typically emerges in autumn and winter. It’s estimated to impact around 1 in 15 people in the UK.
personal outdoor space is sparse
With one in eight UK households lacking access to a private garden, personal outdoor space is becoming increasingly scarce – especially in urban areas. That’s why offering outdoor environments as part of the workplace is a meaningful wellbeing benefit. Whether it’s a rooftop terrace, a courtyard, or a shared garden, these spaces give people the chance to connect with nature, take a breather and recharge during the working day – something many may not have the opportunity to do at home.
Rethinking the workplace from the outside in
The growing interest in outdoor workspaces isn’t just a seasonal trend. It’s part of a wider reimagining of what the workplace can and should be. We’re seeing a shift in mindset from viewing nature as something separate from work, to recognising it as a vital part of a healthy, productive working life. Whether it’s through rooftop gardens, courtyard collaboration zones, or simply encouraging time outside during the day, the outdoors is helping reshape the way we work for the better.
Author: Jane Sartin – Executive Director, Flexible Space Association
Photo credit: Flexible Space Association
