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Imagine spending your working day surrounded by lush vegetation or overlooking stunning landscapes. The possibility to be outside (or in close proximity) while conducting our tasks in beautiful surroundings is something that many of us dream of. However, many of us work from offices or our homes and this is only a dream. The solution? Bring the outdoors indoors.

For the large majority of people who typically work from an office this year has brought about impressive changes to our notions of the working environment. Many of us have been working exclusively from home while others have been working in half-empty offices for some days of the week. We know, it is hardly inspiring to work from the same nook in your kitchen day in day out or an office that is no longer buzzing with activity. Luckily, plants provide an ingenious way in which to liven up our space. 

The Benefits 

The benefits that plants bring to our indoor spaces have long been documented and we can easily say that it’s a win-win scenario for us. For instance, did you know that plants can help us to concentrate? Studies have shown that plants can help our concentration and productivity levels by a little less than 20%. They are also beneficial to our stress levels and our mood. We think that this is a pretty impressive track record.

Moreover, plants produce oxygen which in turn helps to remove toxins, purify our air and help us to breathe better. 

The Best Options

It is not necessary to have a green thumb in order to have a verdant office. These are all options that require minimal upkeep but provide many benefits. 

Snake Plants – The snake plant is known for its air-purifying qualities. It is also practically impossible to kill, inexpensive and looks very aesthetically pleasing in a minimalist pot.

The Money Tree – Quite possibly the only instance where you’ll experience the phenomenon of money growing on trees. It is said that this plant helps to attract wealth and good luck. Apart from this, for centuries, this plant has also been used as a natural way in which to reduce anxiety and promote serenity.

Succulents – Succulents have been having a bit of a moment in the limelight and you’ve probably have been seeing them all over your Instagram feed in chic pots and planters. It turns out that succulents are not only pretty to look at but they also have an impressive benefit profile. Apart from being air-purifiers, succulents are known for their humidity balancing properties. This means less sore throats and dry skin caused by air-conditioners. 

Not only does nature make our working environment look better but it also contributes directly to our well-being. In other words, it’s safe to say that nature is one of the coolest teammates that we can have working with us.

Ah spring! We’re so happy to see you again!

It’s safe to say that spring is probably our favourite season; it’s not too cold and it’s not too cold, the days are longer and the sun is shining almost every day. So, if you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor space at work or you’re working from home and you have an outdoor area…we say it’s time to move the working day outside.

A good dose of Vitamin D does not only improve our mood but it can also do wonders for that dreaded brain fog feeling that sometimes seeps in especially when we’re working. Vitamin D has also been proven to help improve our memory and problem-solving abilities. In other words, spending a part of your working day outside can make you more efficient. 

What should a great outdoor office space include? Every space and working dynamic are different, so your needs are definitely unique. However, there are some universal principles that would make any outdoor working space that are a little bit more functional. 

1. Connect, connect, connect – Connectivity is probably the most important consideration to keep in mind. After all, no one wants to spend their working day struggling with patchy internet and fragmented Zoom meetings. So, start out my check that there is great coverage throughout your outdoor area. After you’ve ensured that your WiFi is working well, you can start thinking about the space itself.

2. Think objectively – Take time to consider your space well. For instance, which spots best in terms of noise? Which areas could include seating areas without creating an obstruction to the flow of the space? Once you have given this some thought you can start to plan out the space around your usage needs. Think about creating a comfortable but ergonomic seating area from which you can work for hours at a time, scope the area to see where you can include big or little pockets of greenery and if you’d like to go the extra mile a serene water feature to cancel out background noise. 

3. Shade it – While sunshine is a beautiful thing to enjoy, it is also important to create adequate shade above your seating area to ensure that you are comfortable for longer periods of time. A simple retractable awning is affordable, easy to install and gives you the flexibility to opt for shade or sunshine, depending on your mood. 

4. Chill a bit – After all, it would be a shame if your outdoor area doesn’t fulfil its primary objective. So, ensure that your seating is comfortable (and fun) enough to be enjoyed after hours and there is still ample space where it is possible to enjoy a bottle of beer and a good chat. 

Having the possibility to spend part of your working day outdoors can go a long way to re-energise your mind and improve your overall well-being. The outdoor space at the office or in your home can do much more than host a work event or a weekend BBQ. A little sprucing up can go a long way towards transforming  into a little working oasis that functions all week.