The office is often seen as a place to stay indoors at a desk or in a meeting room. It is easy to stay in one place when working, especially during busy periods, and the outdoor space around the building is forgotten about or seen as an aesthetic to enhance curbside appeal. However, there is a huge benefit and significance in incorporating outdoor spaces into your office design, utilizing the space actively where possible. The outdoors enhances employee well-being, sustainability, productivity, and your business brand image.
Explore the importance of having a functional outdoor space for your business and how you can make use of the space regularly to improve your business and benefit your staff.
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Benefits of utilizing the outdoors for your business
There are multiple benefits of utilizing the outdoors for your business for your staff and your company too.
Boosts health and well-being
One of the most important benefits of using your outdoor office space is the positive impact it can have on your employees’ health and well-being. Having exposure to natural light and fresh air has a massive advantage on mental and physical health, allowing your employees to feel happier in their workplace and more motivated.
The outdoors can improve mood instantly due to the natural light and surrounding nature. Encouraging employees to head outside more reduces their stress levels and makes them feel refreshed and happy. Taking a walk in nature or having a break on a terrace are simple ways to instantly feel better.
As well as this, having access to an outdoor space improves your employees’ cognitive function. Those who have short breaks outside return to work more focused and alert, allowing them to make better decisions and the ability to problem-solve. Plus, it encourages them to get some physical activity as they have space to walk or stretch.
Empowers productivity and creativity
Outdoor spaces at businesses empower productivity and creativity in employees. Nature influences these and can inspire ideas, allowing employees to return indoors ready to take on the rest of the day.
Having access to outdoor spaces allows employees to be more productive. Being surrounded by greenery helps to reduce mental fatigue and improves concentration, so employees can complete tasks efficiently. As well as this, nature sparks creativity as employees get a change of scenery and are surrounded by wildlife and wonderful scents. All of these aspects influence creativity and innovation that will be carried into the office.
Gives employee satisfaction and retention
Outdoor spaces can make your employees happy which makes them stay with your business. The outdoors can bring job satisfaction as you are investing in their well-being through providing outdoor areas. It shows that you care about their health and comfort as you can give them a break from the indoors and their desk. This contributes to happiness and satisfaction in the workplace.
If you prioritize employees’ well-being which includes having accessible outdoor areas, you are more likely to retain your team. Employees won’t want to leave the workplace if they enjoy it and feel like their needs are being met.
It’s sustainable
Including outdoor spaces as an extension of your office aligns with your sustainability ambitions and goals. Allowing access to the outdoors shows you care about the environment and are willing to make sustainable choices.
Having a green outdoor environment with plants improves air quality as they filter pollutants. This creates a healthier and more pleasant environment for employees and the local community. Outdoor spaces also can be used for sustainable practices, like rainwater harvesting, growing vegetables, and composting. This meets your sustainability goals and initiatives.
How to make good use of your outdoor space
Many outdoor areas of office buildings and workplaces are unused as business owners struggle to find practical and effective uses for the space. To help you utilize your outdoor space, below are some useful ways to make good use of the outdoors for your business and employees.
Allow dining outdoors
A working lunch is typical in the office where employees eat at their desks while working on their computers or have a quick bite to eat between meetings and tasks. However, this isn’t healthy or useful as employees don’t get a proper break from their hectic day and can rush their meals.
To combat this, you can allow the outdoor space to be used for eating by providing tables and chairs or picnic tables. Eating outside allows your staff to feel more comfortable and relaxed while reducing their stress. As well as this, having al-fresco dining at your workplace is a great team-bonding opportunity as they can sit with each other, make friends, and understand each other more.
Use it as a meeting room
Many employees feel as though meetings take up their whole day and often, they can waste around five days a year in meetings that sometimes can be pointless. This coupled with meetings taking place inside a stuffy and dreary room, gives employees a lack of interest, inspiration, and motivation.
Instead, why not see if you can host some meetings outdoors? This isn’t something that can be achieved every day, but it can be possible sometimes in the summer months and for smaller meetings. Ditching the desks and sitting outside in the sun for meetings can do the world of good. It allows employees to focus and listen to information, as well as encourages them to actively participate in the meeting as nature boosts their mood, inspiration, and motivation.
Do team-building activities
Many companies think of an off-site location for team-building activities. However, with costs increasing to hire a venue and transportation, it can be easier to utilize your office outdoor space instead. Doing this still gets your staff out of the building and enjoying the outdoors and nature. Outdoor areas are a great space to bring your team together without the feeling of being at work, making it easier for them to bond and enjoy fun activities together.
Have a corporate party
If you have a larger outdoor space, it can be the ideal venue for your next corporate party or celebration. This creates an opportunity to showcase your outdoor space and spend time with clients, customers, and suppliers. It’s also a great chance for your staff to mingle and socialize in a different way than their usual working day allows. They can be more confident and happier to join in as being outdoors gets them away from the office and feeling refreshed.
So, what are you waiting for? Start using your business’s outdoor space to reap the benefits for your business and employees. Put your employees first and use creative ways to utilize the space that works for your staff and business. Ensure to zone your outdoor area accordingly, having a safe area to eat, do activities, and socialize. Consider implementing a safe space for smokers and vapers too by looking for smoke shelters in the UK to keep everyone protected and happy.