Does the idea of creating a workspace on a roof terrace or in a backyard sound far-fetched? Think again! In addition to being at the heart of new trends, a company terrace offers many advantages, not least of which is the fact thatit extends the workplace. When you think about it, why should work be confined to indoors? While this makes sense from the point of view of efficiency and safety, it means that employees are forced to work in sometimes stifling and boring environments, with little natural light or fresh air. Conversely, creating an outdoor workspace will not only make your employees feel more fulfilled, but also offers them new opportunities to collaborate on different projects. Here are the reasons why you should considercreating an outdoor workspace at your company.
Outdoor space enhances employee well-being
Employees with access to fresh air and natural light can enjoy a more pleasant working environment. This extra space gives them the opportunity to take time out to air their minds and break the routine, rather than spending hours sitting in front of the same desk indoors. It's scientifically proven: daylight has a major impact on morale. Being outdoors therefore allows us to fill up on vitamin D, which helps keep us in shape, reducing stress and fatigue. The presence of a company terrace also encourages workers to move around more often, and is fully in line with the flex office principle. After a few minutes outdoors, you can return to your indoor workstation full of new energy to tackle the next tasks.
Outdoor workspaces boost productivity
Generally speaking, any idea that contributes to making your employees happier will always be beneficial to your company. Offices with a terrace or a small patch of grass are bound to be more attractive to your employees, who will enjoy their workplace all the more. This, in turn, will have a positive impact on their motivation and productivity in the long term. According to a 2011 study by the University of Oregon, being in contact with nature in the workplace helps reduce absenteeism by 10%. This little extra will encourage them to prefer face-to-face work to telecommuting. It will also help retain them, rather than them leaving you for a competitor who doesn't offer an equivalent level of comfort.
Create an additional collaboration space
Collaboration is important for companies of all sizes, but can sometimes be difficult to achieve indoors. More often than not, employees work in individual offices or noisy open-plan offices, an environment that by its very nature discourages exchanges. On the contrary, creating an outdoor workspace is an excellent way toencourage your team to communicate more effectively. In fact, one study revealed that employees in natural environments are 38% more creative and 28% more collaborative than those inside an office. A corporate terrace or patio can therefore help your team to focus better on projects requiring a concerted effort.
An outdoor space lets your employees take a break from the office
Would you like to create a relaxation area within your company? If you don't already have a break room, creating an outdoor area will enable you to kill two birds with one stone. You'll be able to use the space for both business meetings and more informal moments that are an integral part of corporate life: coffee breaks, lunch breaks, afterworks with colleagues, team building sessions, etc. Offering your employees a new setting will help them to detach themselves more easily from work-related issues for the time of a break. In this way, they can enjoy a real moment of relaxation, while remaining in the workplace.
A pleasant outdoor space helps reinforce your company's brand image
Create an outdoor workspace that promotes well-being, play on the "inside-out" boundary... Taking these new trends into account in youroffice design projects will have a positive impact on your brand image. If you can receive your customers and suppliers in a pleasant, cosy setting, such as an outdoor lounge, they'll appreciate working with you all the more. You'll score even more points if you place eco-design at the heart of your furnishing strategy. This means choosing eco-friendly furniture, looking for energy-saving solutions and planting your outdoor space. By taking current issues into account, your company will naturally be perceived as being able to adapt to the times. It's also a very good way of making your company attractive to future talent, the better to convince them to join your team.
Creating an outdoor workspace can help boost employee creativity and productivity. If indoor workspaces are necessary, creating an outdoor space can be an excellent opportunity for your company. It will offer your employees a new setting to encourage them to move around, break the routine and take a step back during the day. You can also use the space for other purposes, such as group work or well-deserved relaxation. Creating a terrace, patio or backyard on your premises is therefore a win-win situation for your company. If you already have the space you need, don't wait any longer: you've got everything to gain.