10 Tips for Creating a Comfortable Outdoor Workspace

Being outside has both physical and mental health benefits. The outdoors lifts our moods and connects us to nature. Even taking a short walk outside can provide a mood booster and make you feel happier.

After the pandemic, employees continued to evolve where and how they did their jobs, and work-from-home became the norm for many people. Although some companies have demanded that workers go back to the office, in early 2023, one survey found that 27% of workers were doing business remotely.

Whether it’s a patio, a sunroom, or a screened-in porch, if you work from home full-time or even part-time in a hybrid schedule, you can create an office space working outdoors that’s comfortable, pleasing, and helps you to be more productive.

You don’t need a fancy al fresco office design to get started: Start out with a trial run working outside to see if you enjoy it, and scale up from there with your furnishings and decor. No matter your budget, you can ease into working outside and creating a space you can’t wait to work in every day.

We’ll cover the top ten tips for creating a comfortable workspace and the benefits of working outdoors.

If you’re determined to work outdoors, there are many ways to go about it. You spend eight hours or more on a given day working, and bringing some joy and the outside nature into your work life can be a game changer for truly enjoying your work. Your co-workers will wonder why you’re so cheerful on Zoom calls!

Let’s discuss ten tips for setting up your very own outdoor workspace.

As you get your outdoor workspace in order, know that you don’t have to get it done all at once. Until you can get the right furniture, start by using any outdoor furniture you have to see how you like working outside before investing in furnishings to enhance your comfort and your workday. Just be sure that any temporary furniture is intended for outdoor use.

Working in an outdoor lounge chair sounds fabulous until you do it for a few hours. Patio furniture is made for lounging, not working, so you’ll have to think outside the box here.

Once you’ve decided to commit to an outdoor workspace, invest in an ergonomic chair. Simply roll your chair from your indoor office to a patio or sunroom in the morning and then bring it back in at night. The minimal effort is worth it — your back will thank you. Instead of slouching in a wooden Adirondack chair, an ergonomic office chair keeps your feet flat on the floor, elbows at a 90-degree angle, and hips pointed forward.

Another option is to add a standing desk. If you don’t want to move your desk around, simply throw a tarp over it at the end of the day to protect it from the elements.

If you’re utilizing a sunroom, you have a few more options, thanks to the roof and walls. Your standing desk can stay there all day and night unprotected. On top of that, add a credenza to stash all of your office supplies and keep them close by.

If you’re going to work outside, you’ll need adequate shade — and don’t forget the sunscreen. Consider outdoor furniture that has a sun umbrella, or purchase a separate sun umbrella to provide shade so you stay cool and prevent over-exposure to the sun.

With video calls and video meetings with colleagues, a smart investment is an anti-glare screen protector. This can be a tremendous help with sun glare, and you’ll find yourself squinting less and benefit from a clear view.

As peaceful as working outdoors can be, you can’t control every aspect of your environment. Just as you get into your work groove, your neighbor may fire up their lawn mower, or the construction going on next door may disrupt your focus.

Investing in some headphones can make a big difference. Noise-canceling headphones are particularly helpful in blocking out noise, playing music, and maintaining control of the noise level so you stay focused in the great outdoors.

The less exciting part of your outdoor office is making sure you have essentials, such as WI-Fi, device chargers, and extension cords to reach outlets and ensure you have plenty of charge to get your work done.

Having a bin of these types of items on hand will make sure you’re never caught off guard right before a Zoom call or under a deadline. Double-check that your extension cord is made for outdoor use. For a power set-up that you can easily bring inside and out, try the Freestanding Power Strip.

Brighten up your space with an outdoor rug. With a wide variety of patterns and colors, an area outdoor rug can add inspiration to a front porch, a backyard deck, or a rustic sunroom. Get creative and let an outdoor rug guide your outdoor office vibe. This is an absolute must-have if you have a rolling chair on a wood patio desk.

Plants and beautiful landscaping can enhance both indoor and outdoor spaces and provide a feeling of peace. Surround yourself with plants and flowers that suit your personality and inspire you. Adding hanging potted flowers and ceramic-painted pots will help to personalize your space.

Depending on where you live, the weather can change quickly. When you set up your new home office, plan ahead for bringing your office back inside if necessary. Simple crates or plastic bins ready to bring electronics and paperwork inside if rain is in the forecast. Another alternative is to invest in a retractable awning if your budget allows.

A great benefit to outdoor work (for those who have pets) is the ability to allow your dog to run around or lounge in the sun while you get work done. As long as there's nothing to bark at, bring your dog out with you so you can give them some time outside as well. Just be sure they are taken care of if you have to hop on a long meeting; after all, there's nothing worse than having to deal with (or listen to) a barking dog while on an important video meeting.

There are many benefits to an outdoor workspace that can aid in creating a great work environment. Working in an outdoor area can take some adjustment and a bit of upfront work, but it comes with a ton of benefits.

Let’s discuss some of the top benefits of bringing the outdoors in:

Fresh Air

Being in the open air can be energizing and leave you feeling more alert to take on the tasks of your workday. Fresh air enhances well-being in a number of ways.

Did you know that fresh air cleans out your lungs and can aid in digestion and even lower your heart rate? It may surprise you that going outside for only 30 minutes can provide you with a full dose of Vitamin D for the day.

Natural Light

Studies show that natural light is good for our overall well-being and can help us feel more positive and be good for our mental health. Being outside, even for short periods of time, exposes us to natural light that can invigorate us and provide long-lasting health benefits.

Fewer Distractions

Working from home, rather than in an office, can help people focus, especially if they have a work-from-home environment with fewer distractions. Creating an outdoor home office can lessen distractions.

Instead of water cooler talk or distracting conversations in the office, take in the sounds of nature, such as chirping birds and a gentle wind blowing through the trees. Working in this type of environment may even boost creativity.

Decreased Stress Levels

Stress is normal for everyone at moderate levels, but some people experience heightened amounts of stress that are unhealthy and can contribute to health problems. In fact, three out of five people reported feeling unmotivated at work as a result of stress in the workplace.

Creating an at-home work environment that takes you outdoors is one way to decrease stress levels and say goodbye to WFH burnout.

Takeaways

Creating an outdoor workspace can be worth the effort and can help you bring inspiration to an otherwise average work environment. Start out small, using the WFH furnishings you have already, and see if working outside works for you. If you find you’re just as productive, or perhaps even more productive, start making a list of the necessary items and furnishings to create a simple, modern, ergonomic workspace.

If you’re not sure where to start, check out our ergonomic products, including standing desks, various ergonomic chair options with varying price points, and accessories that can make working outside more convenient.

Start designing your dream office when you take our design quiz today!

Sources:

Nurtured by Nature | American Psychological Association

Do We Know How Many People Are Working From Home? | New York Times

Remote Work Is Here To Stay And Will Increase Into 2023, Experts Say | Forbes

The Air Out There – Discover the Health Benefits of Simply Going Outside | St. Mary’s Health System

Being in Natural Light Improves Mood, Increases Happiness | UCLA Health

The Creative and Health Benefits of Going Outside | ASCAP Foundation