El modern office concept has been adding spaces that were previously considered dispensable, because they were luxurious or non-work-related, but that are now essential to create and build loyalty in a work community and attract new talent. It is the case of the social zones (restaurant, cafeteria, kitchens, etc.), play and sports areas, daycare centers or, the topic we discuss today, the outdoor spaces.
Although having outdoor areas depends on the building typology, In new projects it is not conceivable that there is not, at least, interior patio, terrace or small garden for recreation of workers. Let's look at some benefits and conditioning of the Outdoor areas in work spaces.
Kitchen area open to an interior patio
Occupational health and well-being
There is no doubt that one of the strong points of outdoor spaces is that they provide greater work well-being. Regardless of the type of work that is carried out in them or, even if it is only to rest, the worker with access to outdoor areas can oxygenate and receive natural light. In accordance with the principles investigated by the neuroarchitecture, the “change of scenery” reactivates neuronal activity and literally stimulates all the senses. Furthermore, it has been proven that immersion in Parkland or with a large vegetal presence, improves the air quality and favors the frame of mind and worker productivity.
Outdoor office area, enabled for day and night.
Create community
Outdoor spaces are usually very social areas, where workers from different departments meet spontaneously. They are, therefore, a point of cohesion between the work community, since it allows you to meet and interact with employees from other sectors, promoting collaboration and exchange of ideas.
There are many offices with outdoor spaces that have kitchens, barbecues or bar counters, where they organize meals and afterworks for your employees.
This outdoor area is decorated with hospitality criteria, which makes the outdoor living area even more comfortable.
Sustainability and corporate image
Using outdoor spaces as extensions of the office can reduce costs associated with air conditioning and artificial lighting. All of this favors the image of the company, which transmits a message of responsibility, sensitivity and care for both the environment and its employees.
Offices with outdoor spaces provide a series of benefits for both employees and the company in terms of well-being, productivity, collaboration, corporate image and sustainability.
Office floor plan with integrated IN&OUT space.
Different types of work
There are different work actions that have nothing to do with sitting at a desk in front of a computer. The meetings between workers, where it is organized, reported or planned, are also clearly work actions. A group of employees creating a concept, brainstorming, or analyzing a situation is also considered a work action. There is many ways to work, and not all of them are static but also participatory and communicative.
Outdoor spaces are especially suitable for this type of work, since they are social environments inspiring ideas that encourage creativity and create less stress, which can encourage idea generation and problem solving.
What must be considered
However, it is not always easy to work outdoors if the conditions are not appropriate:
-If you work with a laptop, It is important to take into account the incidence of sunlight on the screen. With excess clarity, the visibility of the screen is less.
-Weather conditions: both cold and heat can disturb the concentration of the worker or the mood of the group. He wind or rain Logically, they are also factors that affect environmental comfort. Outside, these factors are more variable than inside offices, whose climatic stability is stable all year round. Hence, it is vital that outdoor spaces have protective elements such as parasols, bioclimatic pergolas, parasols, roofs, etc.
In these offices, five meeting areas were created as independent cabins, attached to the central building.
-Environmental noise: Working outdoors can expose employees to different levels of noise, which may come from the nature (bees, flies, etc.), the traffic (in the case of urban terraces) or from the same colleagues who share the outdoor space. It is important manage noise to ensure a calm and productive work environment.
Outdoor area of an office with different areas and furniture.
suitable furniture: It is essential to provide ergonomic and comfortable furniture to work outdoors effectively. This includes chairs and tables designed for outdoors that can withstand weather conditions and provide a comfortable work environment.
Connectivity: It is essential that employees have access to the tools and technology necessary to do their jobs effectively outdoors. This includes Reliable Wi-Fi connection and electricity points to recharge battery. In some offices, they also install giant screens to make group presentations.
