If you work from home and primarily use technology for your work and interactions, it’s important to find time to get outside and breathe fresh air. To this end, millions of people have attempted to create an outdoor workspace, but many of them have found this exercise to be especially challenging; if the space is uncomfortable, restrictive, or subject to bad weather, you may never feel motivated to utilize it.
So how do you create an outdoor workspace that you want to use?
Table of Contents
Give Yourself Plenty of Desk Space
One of the biggest drawbacks associated with rudimentary outdoor workspaces is a distinct lack of desk space. Depending on your current environment, you may only have a flimsy patio table to work with, or you may even be forced to work with your laptop awkwardly situated in your actual lap.
It’s much better to invest in a large outdoor desk or table that can stand up to the elements and give you plenty of space to set your equipment, take notes, and learn comfortably.
Another option is to create a full outdoor kitchen in your backyard. This is a significant investment, but it’s one that carries a ton of fringe benefits. Immediately, you’ll get access to an abundance of counter space, which you can use as your workspace. You’ll also be able to cook up a snack or a meal on your lunch break without having to go back inside. And of course, you’ll have the option to cook outside for all your meals and social gatherings.
The customization potential of outdoor kitchens makes them an even more attractive option for remote workers. Modular outdoor kitchens allow you to build exactly the kitchen you need, while staying within budget, and the plethora of material options means you can cultivate exactly the aesthetics you want for your outdoor workspace. For example, you can create a stone outdoor kitchen, a stainless steel outdoor kitchen, or a kitchen that incorporates a variety of different materials.
Ensure Proper Electricity and Internet Access
Some workers struggle because they have intermittent Internet access outside or a lack of an available electric outlet. Both of these things are practical requirements for most remote workers. The good news is that installing an outdoor electrical outlet is usually inexpensive, and you can get superior, more reliable Wi-Fi with just a handful of tweaks to your existing setup. Consider investing in a better router, a Wi-Fi extender, or even a mobile hotspot to give yourself the resources you need.
Protect Yourself From the Elements
Being outside is great – until you face the elements. Rain, excessive heat, excessive cold, and bugs can all put a damper on your outdoor working situation. Accordingly, you’ll need to protect yourself. That could mean something as simple as setting up a patio umbrella or something as complicated as closing your patio with an awning, a ceiling, and/or a protective screen. Again, this is an investment, but it’s worth it if you want to spend more time working outside.
Beautify the Surrounding Space
You’ll be much more incentivized to work outside if you get to work in a truly beautiful space. These are just some of the ways that you can beautify your surroundings:
Trees and bushes. Trees and bushes are common landscaping options that help fill your yard space while simultaneously adding to your privacy. Consider choosing native species to promote local ecosystems.
Flower beds and gardens. You can also invest in more flower beds and/or gardens. Gardens may be especially valuable if you plan on growing your own vegetables and herbs – and they pair well with an outdoor kitchen.
Statues and garden ornaments. Statues and other garden ornaments can help you inject your personality into the surroundings and add more uniqueness to your outdoor space. Choose items that make you feel relaxed and comfortable.
Pathways and walkways. Aesthetically designed pathways and walkways make your yard more navigable and make your outdoor area seem more polished and welcoming. This is especially valuable if you like to walk and talk when you’re on team calls.
Give Yourself More Privacy
Open workspaces and transparent environments are the norm, but many people work more productively when they have some degree of privacy. If you’re part of this cohort, consider installing a privacy fence or taller trees and bushes to give you a better insulated environment.
Experiment and Analyze
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different furniture arrangements, resources, and protective measures. You might find your productivity levels increasing or decreasing based on what you change. The more you learn about your own relationship to productivity and outdoor working, the better you can refine your outdoor workspace for your personal needs.