The desire to regain contact with nature is also felt at work. As summer arrives and temperatures rise, professionals increasingly desire outdoor workstations that connect them directly (or even just visually) with natural light and plants. Here’s more about the outdoor office trend, plus some advice to design functional working environments.
Outdoor Offices, the Trend of Agile Work
Is smart working really that smart? Those who have decided to continue working remotely, are doing it smartly only if they manage to combine work spaces and private ones. But not only that. The workplace is also essential for being productive and enjoying a renewed sense of well-being. Those who have access to outdoor spaces (whether at home or in the office) where they can carry out their professional activities in direct contact with nature, know this well. Being immersed in greenery and having a view of plants and natural corners is in fact a booster for productivity, which can rise up to 15% according to numerous studies.
The last four years have completely revolutionized the ways (and places) in which to work, accentuating the need for open spaces. The arrival of the warmer season provides another excuse to look for new environments where you can concentrate on professional activities. And this is better in the outdoors, equipped with correct shading and essential technological services, such as wi-fi and electrical sockets.
The Benefits of Outdoor Offices
The positive sides of having an outdoor temporary office are measured in the short term and directly impact the worker’s health (as well as their productivity). Natural light, fresh air and views of greenery give a renewed sense of contentment, reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Dehors, balconies and gardens of private homes and company headquarters thus become the locations of new outdoor offices to be decorated and equipped for the summer use. Here are Level Office Landscape‘s tips to make them more comfortable.
How to Furnish an Outdoor Office
As mentioned in the previous paragraph, outdoor offices are temporary setups that can only be used when temperatures and weather permit. This is why it is necessary to furnish them with decorative elements that are easily washable, movable and reusable. Flexibility is very important and also allows to quickly reorganize the space in case of meetings and impromptu gatherings. The most efficient outdoor offices therefore take solar exposure and cooling into account and must be equipped with shelter from direct sunlight. Large umbrellas are suitable for those who do not have porches and pergolas where to place desks.
Workstations for the Outdoor Office
The workstations must be made with weather-resistant materials, since in case of bad weather they could be subjected to the action of atmospheric agents. Stainless steel, for example, is ideal for outdoor offices and can be customized with different finishes, capable of visually reproducing the textures of materials such as stone. Those who prefer the warm feel of wood can opt for desks with teak and iroko tops, or treated acacia wood. Aluminum also proves to be a solid, practical and lightweight material, to be chosen to equip the outdoor office with easily repositionable desks.
For the seats it is possible to play with fabrics and fibers specific for the outdoors, resistant to water and fading even if exposed to the sun for many hours of the day. Polypropylene is among the most used materials and offers a good performance also in aesthetic terms.
Relaxing Outoor Furniture
Don’t forget the relaxation areas, to take a break between one meeting and another or to work in more “comfortable” positions. Outdoor armchairs and sofas offer comfortable coverings and infinite color combinations, with increasingly contemporary textures and bright colors that create pleasant accents both on the terraces and in the garden. Furthermore, they are often made with sustainable outdoor materials, i.e. obtained from the processing of plastic bottles and other materials recovered from the sea and other polluted ecosystems. With these furnishing ideas, setting up temporary outdoor offices will be easier and allow workers to enjoy the benefits of carrying out their activities in the open air.