Expand your workspace with outdoor office furniture

Is there any downside to adding an outdoor area to your office? With more natural light, fresh air, and additional space, it’s hard to find one.

In the past outdoor space may have been added to a workspace for socialising or relaxation. Recently, it has become a way to improve an agile working environment. A terrace can be a versatile space for meetings, events, or focused work.

Well-being at Work

Technology has created an ​‘always on’ culture that makes it difficult to switch off from work. But this doesn’t equate to increased productivity and many employers recognise the importance of regular breaks. Providing outdoor space is a way in which businesses can promote well-being at work. With indoor air reputedly 2- 5 times dirtier than outdoor air, getting outside has lots of health benefits.

Providing an outdoor workspace creates an environment in which it is easier to be sociable and still socially distance. But, more importantly, better connection with nature has been shown to increases happiness, reduce distractions, and improve creative thinking. Working outdoors can be novel and fun as well as creating opportunities for spontaneous interactions.

To encourage employees back to an office, workspace has become increasingly ​‘employee-centric.’ Competing with the option of working from home, workplaces are less corporate, more residential.

Improved Mental Health

A recent study of 2000 employees by tech manufacturer, Lenovo, found that productivity improved by 45% when employees spent just 29 minutes outside.

Participants also reported an improvement in mental health, with 63% feeling a general improvement in their mood from time spent outdoors.

According to Mind, spending time in natural environments helps to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. More time outdoors can also alleviate suffering of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Outdoor Office Furniture Inspiration

Outdoor Meeting Space

Concern over the lack of nature in our urban offices inspired the biophilic design trend. For decades we’ve been bringing the outdoors in. Maybe it’s time to take the indoors out.

Being in the open air is restorative and provides workers with a much-needed rest from screen time. Adding outdoor tables, outdoor chairs and lounge areas encourages employees to take proper breaks during the day.

With many outdoor commercial furniture options available, outdoor meetings are also becoming increasingly popular. And even though the weather can be unpredictable there are covered outdoor meeting pods that can be used all year round.

Additional considerations for outdoor meeting space would include access to power and Wi-Fi, sufficient shade, and privacy. Sourcing the right solutions to encourage use and maximise space will be key to creating a successful outdoor workspace.

Improve sustainability with outdoor workspace

Businesses can boost their eco-credentials by filling their outdoor space with plants and trees that will allow wildlife to flourish. Demonstrating care for the environment with small changes can have a significant impact on attracting and retaining the best talent.

Utilising outdoor space may also help reduce use of climate control systems like AC and heating. At a time when energy costs are soaring this a positive step for any business.

Outdoor Furniture Solutions

Contact us hello@yourbureau.com for more information and advice.