Working outside and in nature can be a great way to improve your mental health. The fresh air, natural light, and physical activity all have positive effects on mood. Research shows that even spending a little time outdoors can greatly reduce stress levels and boost mood and employee morale.
Here is how you can improve your office space and make a more enjoyable work environment for your employees!
Start with a Plan
It’s summertime and the livin’ is easy. The weather is warm, people are happy, and it seems like there’s nothing to do but enjoy life outdoors. But before you put your laptop in a hammock and build an outdoor workspace, beware: You may be at risk of making some serious mistakes that could cost you dearly! Here are a few ways to avoid a big mistake when planning an office expansion outside:
Start by thinking about what type of work will be done in the new space. If employees will need desks with electrical outlets for their laptops, then make sure to plan out an outdoor power source.
Make sure the construction company you go with has seen your space before you start planning the build. For example, if you’re going to need a concrete mixer trailer for your job, you’ll need to know if you have the space available to bring one in, or if you’ll need to find another technique that may be less cost-efficient.
Once you have planned out your project and implemented it– you now have a beautiful outdoor space that your employees can enjoy. So how can you use your new space to boost employee morale and reduce stress?
Fresh Air Boost Moods
If you’ve ever felt a little blue, took a walk outside, and noticed your mood lift up in an instant, you know what we mean. Working or living outdoors is good for the soul. It’s been shown to reduce stress levels and boost creativity.
The reason is that people who work or live outside are more likely to use all of their senses when they engage with the world around them—and this full sensory experience is key to renewing our energy and boosting our moods. People who spend most of their time indoors tend not to be as engaged in the natural world around them; consequently, they often feel cut off from something important inside themselves. Let’s break down some benefits:
- Being outside gives fresh air and light which keeps your energy levels up.
- Stress levels go down and your mind clears up so you can think more clearly.
- Sunlight increases natural serotonin which keeps you happy and less stressed
A Refreshing Break
Have you ever gone to an artificially lit space for a work break? Chances are you have– and you’ve come back feeling similarly to how you started. That’s because you didn’t really change your environment. But having an outdoor space to relax in would actually change your environment and provide the refresh you need.
Spending time in nature has been shown to improve cognitive functioning, boost the immune system, reduce fatigue, and decrease stress levels. While this can be great for your employees on an individual level, it also has benefits for the company as a whole! Increased productivity means decreased turnover rates and higher profits!
For all these reasons (and many others), ensuring that your employees have plenty of opportunities to spend some time outside will only help your business succeed even more! So, If you don’t already have an outdoor hangout, get out your drafting board and pen– it’s time for an office makeover!