Outdoor spaces give people a chance to breathe new life into the workday by providing a comfortable environment where they can socialize, collaborate, or work by themselves away from their desk. These outdoor work areas support mental wellbeing as well as productivity.
There are several benefits to creating outdoor workspaces: they give people a place to connect with nature and reduce stress to counter mental fatigue, providing informal spaces for collaboration and rejuvenation. Organizations looking to attract and retain talent should also consider outdoor spaces as a means to entice employees to the office.
The Benefits of the Great Outdoors
Those in the design industry are no strangers to the touted benefits of biophilia. The principle of biophilia puts forth that human beings are innately attracted to the natural world, and nature is in turn important for our physical and mental wellbeing. Biophilic design could be as simple as adding a variety of plants to a workspace, or even a green, or ‘living’ wall. It could also be incorporating natural materials into a design, such as wood. Outdoor workspaces take the principle of biophilia one step further, allowing employees to directly experience and benefit from nature as they work.
Providing spaces outside of the traditional office can also improve collaboration and innovation. Being outdoors changes the sensory environment – natural light, fresh air, and varied scenery reduce mental fatigue and stimulate new ways of thinking. This can help teams break out of habitual problem-solving approaches and spark creative ideas. Outdoor workspaces can also accommodate more flexible seating, walking meetings, and collaborative setups that don’t feel hierarchical. This inclusivity encourages participation from different voices, enhancing group problem-solving and idea generation.
Outdoor workspaces give employees the freedom to choose how and where they work, which is a key factor in productivity and satisfaction. By stepping outside, employees can select an environment that suits their current task, whether it’s a quiet spot for focused work, a sunny table for informal collaboration, or a shaded area for a relaxed brainstorming session.
How to Create Functional Outdoor Workspaces
Often, outdoor spaces at a workplace are designed for social interactions: perhaps as a place to eat lunch or take a quick break. But it’s also possible to create productive outdoor spaces designed for both collaboration and heads-down work, incorporating ergonomic design and access to technology and power.
When creating outdoor workspaces, functionality is just as important as aesthetics. A successful outdoor office should allow employees to work as effectively as they would indoors, which means considering ergonomics, weather-appropriate seating, and surfaces that support laptops, notebooks, or other tools. Access to technology is key: power outlets, strong Wi-Fi, and shading for screen visibility can make the difference between a productive session and a frustrating one. Thoughtful design also accounts for flexibility, allowing the space to accommodate solo focus work, small meetings, or collaborative brainstorming. By combining comfort, technology, and adaptability, outdoor workplaces can become a seamless extension of the office, giving employees a choice of environment without compromising functionality.
Extremis
Extremis is a renowned Belgian furniture design group with a collection of products that focus on togetherness and celebrating life outdoors. They have designed a variety of outdoor solutions that allow employees to embrace the outdoors without sacrificing productivity. The AMAi Collection is a perfect example: styled like a picnic table, while offering features like integrated technology so you can plug in a laptop, to a user-adjustable standing height table to allow employees to change postures throughout their workday. And if you don’t have an outdoor area at your office, the AMAi looks great inside as well!
Mattiazzi
Mattiazzi is an Italian furniture manufacturer known especially for skillfully made wooden chairs, all suitable for outdoor usage. The cornerstones of Mattiazzi’s activities are the combination of craft and industry methods. And, all Mattiazzi furniture is made from sustainably sourced, certified wood, and their production processes are constantly being developed to be more efficient and environmentally friendly. Mattiazzi products are perfect for bringing a hospitality-inspired aesthetic into the workplace, providing a more casual experience for employees to collaborate and connect.
Emu by Coalesse
The EMU Advanced Collection from Coalesse is a classic outdoor collection, inspiring fresh and inviting outdoor spaces. EMU’s expertly crafted modern furniture is beautiful, durable and comfortable. EMU’s collection offers something for everyone, from guest and dining chairs to lounge furniture and coordinating accessories, suitable for both the home and office.
Take the Office Outside
Functional outdoor workplaces do more than look good. When thoughtfully implemented, they boost productivity, creativity, and wellbeing. Ergonomic seating, sturdy surfaces for laptops, and access to power ensure employees can work as effectively as they would indoors, while natural light, fresh air, and varied scenery help reduce stress and spark new ideas. By combining comfort, technology, and the benefits of nature, outdoor spaces become a powerful complement to any workplace.
Our team of experienced workplace consultants are ready to help you navigate the future of work. Contact us today to learn more about enhancing outdoor workspaces.