The future of thriving workplaces lies in incorporating the great outdoors. In a 2023 pilot study, researchers discovered that working in a public urban space may promote work-related well-being. Participants experienced increased concentration, a sense of empowerment, and relaxation. As such, companies that want to stay ahead of the curve in providing the ideal environment for their workers may want to look into granting them spaces to work outside.
However, creating an outdoor office isn’t as simple as opening the balcony area. There are essential considerations employers should reflect upon to optimise their alfresco work zones. The following are a few of them.
functional workstations
While it’s simple enough to design an outdoor area for recreation and socialising, ensuring that an exterior environment is conducive to productivity is a different matter. A workstation outside can’t be the same as a desktop-and-monitor setup indoors—that would risk the elements damaging electronics and other equipment. Still, companies that opt for an outdoor office space would do well to secure work efficiency by ensuring their employees have what they need to excel at their jobs. This isn’t simple courtesy: the online magazine Your Coffee Break notes that workers who are pleased with their environment have a 31% boost in productivity.
Companies should thoroughly assess how they can make their outdoor office spaces seamlessly effective for their employees. They’ll want to add outlets and waterproof extension cords to allow workers to charge their gadgets. They can also look into dedicated patio furniture that is comfortable enough for long focus sessions and impervious to the weather. If their workplace accommodates night shiftees, employers can consider providing electronic lights like Stelton’s Pier LED lamp, which is bright enough to supply essential illumination and lightweight enough to bring inside when needed quickly. Keeping basic functionality in mind is vital even when adopting new, assuredly helpful office practices.
Natural elements
Perhaps the main appeal of outdoor office areas is their exposure to nature. In a previous article, we covered how integrating biophilia – humans’ natural affiliation with nature – is constructive to workplace culture and well-being. We noted how having views of nature can reduce stress and enhance feelings of job satisfaction. To maximise these positive effects, employers can look into adding more environmental features to al fresco workplaces. For example, climbing vines are excellent if you plan on using wall spaces, and low-effort plants like bulbs and lavender can be great for a small garden. A 2021 study shows that waterscapes like fountains or small ponds can also aid in boosting workers’ mental health. To fully utilise the outdoor office area, infusing natural elements is crucial.
Sun protection
A great benefit of outdoor office areas is that they allow workers to take in more sunlight. According to the website Rest Less, sunlight can increase Vitamin D production, boost creativity, and regulate circadian rhythms. However, sun exposure without proper protection can also lead to eye damage, sunburn and skin cancer. Employers should take care to have employees wear high-quality sunglasses that can offer 100% UV protection while working outdoors. Excellent choices include Oakley’s Square Wire sunglasses, which have durable and comfortable metal frames, and Ray-Ban’s Aviator sunnies, which boast a classic design and present a prescription sunglasses lens option.
Additionally, employers should emphasise the importance of calibre broad-spectrum sun cream with an SPF of at least 30 and can deflect roughly 93% of UV rays. One sun cream that fits this criteria is Green People’s scent-free sun cream. Highlighting the value of wearing sun protection equipment is part of ensuring that the outdoor office area is a safe environment to work in.
Layout
Layout is a fundamental aspect of every workspace, and outdoor office areas are no different. At first glance, an open space layout seems the natural fit—after all, a key feature of exterior office spaces is that they liberate workers from closed walls. Notable benefits of an open layout include promoting movement and cost-effectiveness. Still, companies shouldn’t ignore that Harvard once reported open layouts affect collaboration, decreasing face-to-face interactions by 75%. Closed layouts, on the other hand, minimise distractions and allow employees to zero in on their work. They also allow for a measure of privacy that can be attractive for more introverted workers. Putting a few work booths or office pods in the outdoor office area, such as those offered by HuntsOffice, could be the key to unlocking the best of both workspace layouts for the outdoors.
Conclusion
An outdoor office area has the potential to boost workers’ efficiency, focus, and well-being. Taking note of the above considerations when implementing this workspace can aid in optimising its advantages.
Author: Binu Jacob – EFS Engagement & Communications Co-lead.
Photo credit: Pexels
