Many employees have embraced working remotely during the pandemic, and 65% of employees want to work remotely full-time post-pandemic. With many advantages, such as increased productivity, flexible scheduling, cost savings, not having to commute, better work/life balance, it makes sense why so many employees prefer remote or hybrid work options!
However, remote work is not without its mental and physical challenges such as separation between life and work, finding space for a home office, minimizing distractions from family members or roommates, and self-managing to avoid unnecessary disruptions.
If you’re struggling with some of the challenges above, it may be time to consider working outdoors.
Working Outdoors Can Make You More Productive
With summer finally here, it’s time to take advantage of the warm weather and green spaces available. Research has shown that simply looking outdoors or at green spaces can help boost productivity—imagine what working outside can do!
Working outside not only boosts productivity, but also has numerous other benefits:
Enhances mood
Studies show people feel less tension after a walk in the park
Boosts energy
Being in nature makes people feel more alive; 20 minutes of fresh air provides energy equal to coffee
Boosts creativity
Being in nature can boost creative problem solving by 60%
Reduces stress
Spending time outside has similar effects on the brain and body as meditating
Improves memory
Studies have found that spending time in nature can help improve short-term memory
Improves focus
Looking at greenery for short periods can improve focus as well as subsequent performance tasks. Pair this with minimizing phone notifications, and you’ll likely see productivity soar.
Creates a work mindset
“Commuting” to the backyard can get your mind ready for “office mode” and establish clearer lines between work and personal space. Having an office outdoors can also free up space for others inside the home.
4 Tips for Working From the Backyard
Before you head outside to get reports done, there are some things to consider and implement!
1) Finding the Perfect Spot
A cool and shady spot outdoors is ideal, as direct sunlight device screens can cause glare, overheating of laptops, and drained batteries due to increased screen brightness. If you don’t have a shady area in your backyard, create some shade with either a patio umbrella, sun sail, or awning.
For an all-season/semi permanent workspace, consider adding an office shed if you’ve got the space in your backyard. Unsurprisingly, in March 2020, sales of backyard sheds started rising due to the pandemic and need for remote work office spaces.
2) Minimize Noisy Distractions
While working outside means escaping family and roommate conversations, it can also present a new audio experience. Sounds of wildlife and pets, construction, and street traffic can be new and unplanned distractions.
Consider wearing noise-cancelling headphones or to minimize these sounds.
Products pictured: Wireless Noise Cancelling Ear Buds | Noise Cancellation Bluetooth Headphones
3) Replicate and Extend the Home Office
Working outside can make you realise how many amenities we take for granted, such as air-conditioning, charging outlets, and high-speed internet! Here are some solutions to optimize your outdoor office life:
Technology and Office Supplies
Want to show off your garden during video calls? Make it a lag and stress-free experience with a wifi extender. A portable power bank or extension cord will also help power and charge your devices outside, eliminating low battery notifications.
Products pictured: Power bank with 3 cable tips | WiFi extender
If you’re worried about humidity, rain, or pool water affecting your notes, consider waterproof paper options such as stone paper and waterproof ink.
Check out this video of the waterproof pens in action!
Products pictured: stone paper notebook | waterproof ink pens
Comfort
Outdoor seating might not be as comfortable as indoor office seating, but a lumbar support pillow and seat cushion will go a long way in making the outdoor office experience more enjoyable and back pain-free.
A laptop tray will also be useful for getting your device at the right reading angle so you don’t strain your neck!
Products pictured: Adjustable Aluminum Laptop Holder | Laptop Stand Desk
4) Protect yourself from wildlife and the elements
Insect bites, overly hot weather, outdoor allergies, and sunburn can deter anyone enjoying the outdoors. Stay protected this season!
Bugs
Mosquitos are a nuisance, regardless of any outdoor activity. Luckily, there are now more repellant options outside of sprays and lotions, such as lanterns and wristbands to avoid itchy bites.
Products pictured: Mosquito Repelling Lantern | Mosquito Repellent Bracelet
Hot Weather
Don’t wilt under the hot summer sun! When temperatures start rising, stay cool and protected with a portable fan, glasses that protect against blue light and UV rays, sunscreen, and an insulated bottle to keep your beverages cold.
Products pictured: Portable Fan | Blue Light Blocking Duo Frame | Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the outdoors while working from your backyard. Remote work requires setting clear boundaries between work and not-work—step away from the screens when you need to!
Thinking about starting a new project? Contact us to see how we can help!
