Homeowners are beginning to warm up to their outdoor spaces, even after over a year of pandemic lockdowns that required them to make their homes the focus of their existence. You may have previously updated your backyard patio decking, placed lawn furniture outside your front yard, or even built an outdoor dining area. So here’s the next big thing you need to know about: a “working from outdoors,” trend, aka #WFO.
Taking your work-from-home location outside may be a fun way to get back into the swing of things at work, breaking up the boredom of remote working and even raising your morale. Isn’t it evident that hearing the birds chirp, seeing flowers blossom, and smelling freshly trimmed grass will boost your mood?
“I’ve discovered that when I’m feeling stressed or having trouble getting more creative, I go outdoors to relax and clear my head,” says Ryan James, an artistic director in Manchester. “Whether it’s after a heavy downpour or breeze whistling through the trees, it helps me clear my head and get in the groove.” Research shows that taking time to observe nature might improve your focus and productivity. But working outdoors comes with its own challenges—such as the weather, sunshine, and the cost of electricity. So keep reading to learn the top tips from experts on creating work from home space in your backyard.
Divide Work and Play Area
Your backyard probably serves as your leisure space, and hence is usually used for activities like running through a sprinkler or practising soccer. With this approach, those kickball games won’t distract you when you’re at Zoom conferences. Consider utilising stylish panels to offer privacy and divide the workplace from recreational areas when creating an outdoor space. If you live close enough to your neighbours, installing dividers is always a great choice.
Temperature Control
Although you cannot change the weather, you can buy products that will enable you to escape the heat or warm yourself in your outdoor workspace. We recommend installing outdoor ceiling fans to keep you cool or purchasing a patio heater to keep you warm.
Provide Some Shade
Have you ever attempted to use your laptop outside and found yourself struggling to view the screen, even with full brightness? We suggest that your outdoor workspace gets the appropriate amount of sun and shade to ensure proper illumination. This is the perfect time to shop online for gazebos, canopies, and coverings. Your laptop should also have an anti-glare protective screen.
Make seating a top priority.
It’s not going to be as easy as lying on your favourite velvet sofa on vacation. We suggest having a comfortable and supportive spot to sit, which would allow you to work successfully outdoors for a longer length of time, just like you would indoors. If you intend to work from home, now is the time to invest in that lawn furniture kit you’ve been admiring, particularly one with strong, erect seats and a retractable parasol.
Choose a desk.
A strong outdoor table can be used as a desk; just wipe away any dust or dirt before placing your computer down. Alternatively, follow the social media trend of working at a large camp table in the garden. For a special touch, acquire a workstation with a glass-top tabletop that looks like a mini-garden for plants like houseplants or potted herbs. The desk may be taken outside in the afternoon and back inside later.
Consider the case of electricity.
Power is a significant concern when relocating your office set up outside. Be sure to have near you electrical outlets and possibly an extension cord to plug in your laptop and all of your devices. If you don’t have access to outlets in your outdoor environment, consider using a portable battery charger.
Create a Place You’ll Enjoy
Don’t forget about your nearby environs and surroundings, which will be visible during Zoom calls. We suggest adding adorable indoor/outdoor throw blankets, a throw sheet that may provide plenty of warmth if the weather gets cold, or outdoor lighting to provide another source of light and improve the mood.
