Setting up an office outside is a new concept for creating more work areas, increasing employees’ productivity, and achieving the best work-life balance. Outdoor offices are more comfortable than indoor arrangements; they are accessible and promote social distancing, a virtue that came in handy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Outdoor spaces can be immensely helpful for working collaboratively, accomplishing individual tasks, taking a break, or meditating, and they can also be applied to any social function. This article will help you find flexible and practical outdoor office furniture and designs for all working areas and conditions.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Outdoor Office Furniture
Since furniture used in outdoor offices is exposed to unfavorable weather conditions, the common types used include metal, steel, and aluminum. Durability cannot be overemphasized… but must not be at the expense of style.
It is possible to find outdoor office furniture with different designs, colors, and forms to suit individual branding and design preferences. The choice of furniture needs to address diverse requirements for break areas, smoking areas, and collaborative work areas; some of the regular furniture includes benches, tables, chairs, and garbage cans.
Design Strategies for Various Business Settings
Collaborative and Individual Workspaces
Develop outdoor dining spaces with large, waterproof tables and good chairs where people can socially distance themselves and use shades where possible. An example of an outdoor conference room is a table with longer benches or chairs to sit on and plant pots to beautify the area. For individual workspaces, arrange individual workstations with small tables and ergonomic chairs for each station, and they should come with shade.
Break Areas and Wellness Spaces
Relaxation areas should be created using outdoor seating like sofa sets, chaise lounges, and cocktail tables with waterproof fabric for cushions, including a comfortable swing cushion. Other amenities include benches and tables for the employees under trees or shaded structures like pergolas to force them to lunch outside. The areas for yoga and meditation have soft and anti-slip mats and shade structures to alleviate stress and improve happiness.
Event and Social Spaces
An outdoor cafeteria with a wide range of furniture, such as tables, chairs, and bar stools, can be prepared with shades such as an awning or pergola. Provide sufficient garbage cans and recycling containers. Common areas with cocktail seating arrangements, such as benches, high tables, and stools, provide vibrant breakout areas for team bonding and recreation.
Enhance the Outdoor Workspace
Use umbrellas, pergolas, or even retractable awnings to shield the outdoor work area so that it can be used in any weather. Decorate the work area with planters, garden beds, and green walls to incorporate greenery into the work environment while making the place visually appealing and reducing stress.
To extend the flexibility of use to nighttime, install some lights outside using solar or LED string lights. Wi-Fi should be provided in outdoor zones to allow for uninterrupted work. There should also be outlets and charging points for devices.
Summary
Outdoor office arrangements benefit any workplace as they present an appealing and versatile setting. In terms of durability, style, and functionality, unique outdoor office furniture arrangements can be designed for different work settings.
A well-planned outdoor office can play a crucial role in boosting the quality of work and promoting a favorable organizational setting for work, learning, leisure, personal development, communication, and social activities.
