The Outdoor Office Revolution: How the Outdoors Can Boost Productivity

Remote work has become a staple for 39% of the workforce (Forbes), with more people than ever transforming their homes into offices. But what if there’s a way to make work-from-home even better? Enter the outdoor office, an emerging trend that combines the tranquillity of nature with the functionality of a workspace, offering a fresh way to boost both productivity and happiness.

Why work outdoors?

Working outdoors offers more than just a refreshing change of scenery; it comes with scientifically proven benefits that can significantly enhance your workday. For example, research from the University of Exeter reveals that spending time in nature boosts health and well-being in various ways. 

A study published in Scientific Reports indicates that individuals who spend at least 120 minutes per week in natural settings are more likely to report good health and improved psychological well-being. As employees return to urban work environments, they may feel a sense of disconnect from the comfort of nature, often spending long hours indoors. Further studies show that even brief exposure to natural views can activate underutilised areas of the brain, helping to reduce stress.

This taps into something essential: most people who work from home crave an escape from the traditional home office or indoor workspace full of distractions with many employees admitting they aren’t fully focused during working hours. According to a recent poll employees often step away from their desks to do household chores (72%), run errands (37%) and scroll social media (75%). This shows even with remote work it can be a struggle to maintain work-life boundaries, which makes outdoor workspaces a refreshing alternative that helps establish a clear divide between work and relaxation.

According to Richard King from Dino Decking, embracing an outdoor office helps you break free from the usual indoor distractions and gives your mind a much-needed reset:

“Shifting your workspace outdoors provides a mental and physical boundary between your work and home life. It helps you stay more focused during working hours and signals to your brain when it’s time to wind down.”

How to create an outdoor workspace to survive the UK weather?

One of the easiest ways to create a functional outdoor workspace is by installing decking. Decks are versatile, offering a stable and comfortable surface for setting up everything from desks and chairs to power outlets and shade options. Whether you have a small backyard or a sprawling garden, decking can transform your outdoor area into a productive workspace that blends seamlessly with nature.

Richard King, an expert at Dino Decking, emphasises the practicality of decking for outdoor offices:

“Decking provides a flat, stable surface that not only supports the weight of office furniture but also adds aesthetic value to your outdoor space. It’s ideal for creating a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor living, which is crucial when working from home. One great way to a multi-functional outdoor workspace is by converting a deck into a screened sunroom. By turning a deck into a screened sunroom allows you to work outside comfortably in all seasons, even with the unpredictable UK weather. It’s a viable option that not only provides shelter from the rain and wind but also allows natural light to flood in while keeping your workspace protected.”

Composite decking is particularly suited for workspaces because it’s low-maintenance, slip-resistant, and resistant to fading or warping from sun exposure. A well-designed deck can last over 20 years with minimal maintenance, making it a cost-effective solution for creating an outdoor office that enhances both productivity and leisure. 

By installing decking, you’re not just improving your workspace; you’re setting the foundation for a healthier, more enjoyable work environment that makes the most of the natural world right outside your door.

The future of remote work is outside

As more people look for ways to break free from the confines of indoor spaces, outdoor offices are emerging as a creative and practical solution. HR software provider Ciphr commissioned a survey of 2,000 UK adults and found that 86% experience stress at least once a month. Almost a third of respondents indicated that work, in general, contributes to their stress, highlighting the need for a renewed focus on wellness. 

Fortunately, effective solutions don’t have to be costly with research showing that spending time outdoors can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), enhancing immunity, productivity, and overall happiness.

With 39% of workers operating remotely and 24% adopting a hybrid work model, could working in outdoor environments be a viable solution to address the stress levels in the UK workforce?