How to Create an Inspiring Outdoor Workspace for Summer
Summer is the perfect time to embrace an outdoor workspace. There are many reasons why creating an outdoor space as part of your workplace is a good idea, from boosting team wellbeing to simply make better use of outdoor areas, setting up a dedicated outdoor office can improve productivity, creativity and morale.
From garden office benefits to choosing the right outdoor office furniture, here’s how to design a functional and inviting space for outdoor remote work or everyday team collaboration.
Best outdoor office setup: Where to start
Creating an effective outdoor workspace is easier than you might think. Many UK workplaces, from city-centre offices with rooftop terraces to business parks with shared courtyards, already have underused outdoor areas that could be transformed into productive spaces. Whether it’s a garden, patio, or even a converted car park, here are five essential tips to get started:
- Provide flexible furniture: The right outdoor furniture set up is key. Use a mix of large and small tables to accommodate both solo work and team meetings. Choose weatherproof options designed for outdoor use.
- Choose comfortable outdoor seating: Choose active chairs that encourage an upright working position and add plenty of seat cushions for comfort and colour.
- Think about the space's purpose: Do you want it to be a casual meeting space where employees can go to collaborate or take a break? If so, then outdoor lounge furniture may be a good option. But if you’re planning it more as a quiet work area then regular tables and chairs will suit better.
- Ensure shade and shelter: Use parasols or canopies to create shade on sunny days and consider a waterproof gazebo or pergola to make your weatherproof outdoor office usable in variable conditions.
- Extend your connectivity: Make sure the office WiFi extends to cover the new outdoor area. You may need a signal booster for reliability
Outdoor office inspiration: Get teams outside
Once you have your outdoor office in place, be sure to put out plenty of communications to all employees about the availability of outdoor space. Be clear that the area is freely available to all staff at any time and should be treated as just another part of the workspace. Encourage team leaders to hold meetings outside to get people used to the space.
Think about whether you want to provide any extras that would make it easier to use the open air space, such as free sunscreen in the office bathrooms and/or a water refill station outside.
You should also make clear that, as an extended office space, the outdoor area is non-smoking as this could put some staff members off using it.
Think about whether you want to provide any extras that would make it easier to use the open air space, such as free sunscreen in the office bathrooms and/or a water refill station outside.
You should also make clear that, as an extended office space, the outdoor area is non-smoking as this could put some staff members off using it.
When to take a meeting outside
If a meeting doesn’t require a screen, take the team outside. It’s a great option for creative sessions and brainstorming in particular. In fact, creativity improves in new environments and in green spaces, so, by combining the two, the ideas are sure to flow. (You can always bring a flip chart outside with you if you need somewhere to draw a mind map.) Commandeering the al fresco work area is also ideal if you’re meeting as a large group, giving you more space than a meeting room and disrupting fewer colleagues if the meeting gets noisy.
What are the benefits of working outside?
The advantages of an outdoor home office or shared outdoor work area include:
Physical health benefits
- Sunlight boosts Vitamin D intake, which is essential in order to maintain a healthy immune system.
- Daylight has a huge impact on the body’s circadian rhythm, helping to regulate sleep and wakefulness and leading to a better night’s sleep.
- Being outside naturally reduces sedentary behaviour and encourages active movement.
Mental health benefits
- Spending time outdoors in green spaces can help reduce feelings of stress, anxiety or anger and improve mood.
- Natural light is also shown to have a positive effect on mood and general wellbeing while fresh air will boost energy levels and alleviate some of the mental fatigue that workers experience after long hours spent concentrating on work, especially when spent in front of a screen. Not only is this good for mental health but it also improves productivity.
Ready to rethink your workspace?
Creating an outdoor workspace it’s a smart move towards improving employee wellbeing, encouraging creativity and offering more flexible ways of working. Whether you're converting a shed into a dedicated garden office, setting up a portable outdoor office, or simply making better use of your existing outdoor space, there are plenty of ways to tailor the setup to suit your team’s needs.
If you're looking for more ideas, product recommendations or tailored advice, get in touch with our team. We're here to help you design the ideal outdoor office solution.
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