Many people try incorporating the outdoors into office interior design, from adding different plants to using colors that mimic natural landscapes. Going through those efforts can be a worthy effort to improve the employee experience, but it’s also possible to encourage working outside.
An outdoor workspace is far from conventional compared to working from home and while on vacation. That said, there are various benefits to taking a job outside, at least for a portion of the day.
8 Benefits of Encouraging Outdoor Work
1. A New Environment
Staying in one space for too long can be too constrictive for some people. They see the same thing every day, making the work process a little stagnant as they start to associate the space with the usual routine. Taking the team outside can provide new scenery to refresh their minds.
What’s good about the outdoors is it’s always changing — the skyline will be full of clouds some days, but other days, it won’t. Small details like that can keep things interesting.
2. Lower Utilities
An indoor space can be convenient, but monthly costs are a consideration. For instance, cleaning can be rather costly for bigger offices, but dealing with the dust is crucial.
Electricity bills can also be quite difficult to pay. In 2022, the average monthly bill was $746.89 for more than 19 million commercial entities. Encouraging outdoor work means keeping the lights off while providing an open space full of natural light. The cost savings for air conditioning is also noteworthy.
3. Better Eye Health
Most businesses have to turn to the internet to connect with customers and market their products. The average American spends seven hours and four minutes per day in front of the screen. Keeping your eyes glued to artificial light can affect your eye health.
When outdoors, employees have access to a better spectrum of light. They can protect their eyesight since the sun balances out computer screens.
4. Mood and Energy Enhancer
Many people experience a burst of liveliness when they’re outdoors. This enhancement can mostly be credited to sunlight exposure, which increases serotonin levels. Having happy hormones can stabilize your overall mood
Whether your staff aren’t exactly morning people or they struggle to manage their energy levels throughout the day, an outdoor workspace is worth a shot. Allow them to work outside to lift their spirits when necessary throughout the week.
5. Strong Memory
Team members typically need a strong memory to keep up with the nature of their work. A study finds spending time and exercising in outdoor environments can improve one’s cognitive function in the long run.
Let workers take a 15-minute walking break around their workstation. When they come back, their focus will be better than ever.
6. Less Stress
Some people like to take a breath of fresh air when they’re in tense situations or facing tight deadlines at the office. Stress and the breathing problems that come with it can reduce your oxygen level and cause dizziness. With an outdoor working environment, employees will find it easier to calm down from serious projects or cases, making them less anxious in the long run.
7. Improved Immune System
Working with an illness can be quite uncomfortable, so it’s important to focus on prevention methods like strengthening the immune system. The outdoors is abundant with sunlight, which can generate plenty of vitamin D. This particular micronutrient is known for boosting resistance to bacteria and viruses.
8. Quality Productivity
While indoor productivity may be at a reasonable level, every business should aspire to increase the quality and quantity of what it accomplishes each day. An outdoor workstation can improve each individual’s mental state and equip them with physical immunity. These conditions remove many hindrances and allow them to focus more on their work.
Setting Up the Outdoor Workspace
Small business owners who want to reap the benefits of an outdoor workspace must first offer that amenity. If your office has access to a rooftop or a garden, consider setting up in those areas. Bring tables and chairs to give each worker a station.
To maximize comfort, shield the space with an outdoor covering. Sunlight can be good, but UV radiation can be dangerous. Materials like polyethylene fabric are ideal because they allow a percentage of sun rays to pass through without the damage that comes with them. You can also promote the use of sunscreen.
If it’s hot outside, consider taking work indoors. You can bring in fans or industrial air conditioners to cope with the weather.
Have a water station available on-site as well. Generally, men and women need 15.5 and 11.5 cups of water, respectively. Get the supplies and make sure everyone is well-hydrated.
Let Staff Complete Tasks Outside
An outdoor work area can be key to boosting productivity and prioritizing employee wellness. Set up the space and allow people to work inside or outside — teams will appreciate the option.
For additional help concerning healthier workplaces, see more blogs here.
