As part of their crisis response plan, 88 per cent of organisations in Australia adopted a work from home scheme. This move not only protected employees from the threat of disease but also improved their productivity. A survey of over a thousand workers revealed the 79 per cent were more productive at home than they were in the office. Not a surprising figure since people no longer commute and face fewer distractions at home.
As such, many think that this would change the country’s working culture. Even if the crisis abates, working from home may be the new norm among companies.
If that’s the case, then it’s best to have a permanent office at home, rather than a makeshift workstation that’s just there to tide the crisis over. There are many handsome corners in the house where you can tuck your computer and coffee coaster, but at Just Patios, we believe that the best place to stay productive is your outdoor space.
The Best Offices are Those with Access to the Outdoors
There’s a reason modern offices are filled with succulents and floor-to-ceiling windows: the outdoors mitigate stress and improve productivity.
Sunlight alone offers several benefits. The Harvard Business Review cites a study revealing that natural light is the most important attribute in a workplace environment. Forty-seven per cent of employees feel tired from the absence of natural light and 43 per cent feel gloomy. This is because sunlight directly affects physical health.
Workers with access to daylight reported:
- 51 per cent drop in eyestrain cases
- 56 per cent lower chance of drowsiness
- 63 per cent drop in headaches
Although it may sound cosy to be tucked in a solitary corner, you may be better off in a place with generous amounts of sun rays. And what better way to bathe in sunlight than working in a patio in Sunshine Coast?
On top of daylight, the patio offers an unobstructed view of your garden, which helps control the stress. Spending 20 minutes in a green space can lower stress hormones; think how big the impact would be if you were surrounded by greenery the entire day. Organisations even advocate Greendesking, the practice of working at a desk in an outdoor space to fortify your cognitive abilities and increase relaxation.
You may argue that an indoor workspace has enough space for a succulent pot, but an indoor plant is no match for a lush, expansive green space filled with fresh air and sunlight.
Creating a Workstation Conducive to Work
If you’ve been working in an office for many years, chances are you are conditioned to be productive in a distinct set-up. Your ideal set-up, for instance, might need an ergonomic chair, a nearby trash bin or strong internet connection.
Your goal is to replicate these productivity-inducing features to keep you in a state of focus.
Some adjustments include:
- Move the Modem – The first thing to be done is to check the internet connectivity in your patio office. If it is not as fast as you need it to be, then move the modem nearer to the patio.
- Invest in Outdoor Furniture – When you purchased your patio furniture, the only criteria they needed to fulfil were aesthetics and comfort; are they pretty and comfy enough to entertain guests? Now that you’re working at home, the furniture should provide eight-hour support. If you can, invest in an ergonomic desk and chair. This way, you won’t be tempted to walk back inside during the day because “your back aches”.
- Prepare Protective Gear – Working outdoors has its drawbacks; you are exposed to natural elements that could hurt productivity. Keep a sunscreen and insect repellant nearby, so you can protect yourself if needed. And you won’t be tempted to take an early break. Productivity is maintained.
Once your outdoor workspace is set up, you can make the most of your time outdoors. Take a five-minute walk in the garden when you feel burned out and follow the 20-20-20 rule for eye health. You will find it relaxing and enjoyable, so much so that you may not want to return to an enclosed, grey office again.
A home office is just one of the many ways you can use your patio. For more patio ideas, view our range and designs today.