Outdoor break areas in workplaces are becoming increasingly popular as many businesses are finding that they boost their employees’ mood and productivity. The outdoors can work wonders on our brains and overall health due to the fresh air, sunlight, and a change of scenery from the usual workspace. Short outdoor breaks can bring relief to your employees, providing them with a distraction from their desks or work areas.
Encouraging your staff to take breaks outside should be a priority as it can improve job satisfaction which benefits your business. If this doesn’t win you over to design functional and successful outdoor break areas, then explore just why outdoor break areas are vital for employees.
The importance of taking breaks
The workplace is a bustling environment where productivity thrives, and challenges are faced. However, employees can quickly get tired or stressed out in their work area due to workload, challenging tasks, distractions from other colleagues, and simply staying in one place for a long time. This is why breaks are essential as they help staff to unwind a little and take a breather, keeping productivity levels high once they return. If staff don’t have breaks, they can get fatigued, overworked, stressed out, and feel drained and unhappy.
Having an adequate number of breaks for a certain length of time can improve productivity as breaks prevent staff from getting overwhelmed by their tasks. Breaks can also make employees feel refreshed and ready to take on any challenge that comes their way.
Why the outdoors?
The outdoors can have a huge impact on our mental well-being, productivity, and job satisfaction. Nature can help reduce stress and anxiety, increase creativity and focus, encourage physical activity, and also improve teamwork and collaboration. Having outdoor break areas in your workplace is a smart decision as it benefits you and your staff. It also helps you to focus on your employees’ happiness and productivity.
Nature can help your staff’s brains as our minds respond positively to the outdoors. It can lower stress levels, improve concentration and cognitive function, and improve problem-solving and creativity. The natural environment can also fight mental fatigue and decision fatigue which many members of staff can face daily. Not only this, but outdoor spaces can improve mental health by reducing workplace anxiety and depression. This is because it provides staff with a change of scenery to reset the brain and plenty of fresh air to give a greater oxygen flow.
Benefits of outdoor break areas
There are multiple benefits of implementing outdoor break areas in your workplace. It is vital to make outdoor break spaces for your staff to take a breather and get away from the stress of their desk or workspace.
Refreshing break outside of the usual environment
One of the most important factors to providing outdoor break areas is that it gives staff a refreshing break that is away from the usual environment. A change of scenery can work like magic at decreasing stress and improving mood. Every employee needs to have a breather from their daily tasks, and they need a place to go that will take their minds off of their work. Outdoor spaces provide this as it gets staff completely away from their work and the stress of their tasks.
Improves mood and productivity
Outdoor break areas at your business can instantly improve mood and productivity due to the natural light and vitamin D staff can get from the sun. This makes staff happier and recharged, increasing their productivity levels once they return. To heighten this, your outdoor break area can have greenery and plants to encourage employees to relax and feel rejuvenated.
Encourages stronger working relationships
Having access to an outdoor break area can encourage socialization. This is because it creates an open environment where employees can get to know one another and casually have conversations. The open space can make socialization easier for many as there’s no pressure to socialize and the space can feel more welcoming and warmer. This improves your business communication throughout teams.
Boosts self-esteem
Offering plenty of outdoor spaces can make your staff feel valued and appreciated, which instantly boosts their self-esteem. They will feel proud of working for your company and put their dedication and effort into their roles in return.
Therapeutic breaks
Nature can be very therapeutic for us as a simple step outside can be really beneficial, especially for those who experience heavy stress. Having access to outdoor break areas is a valuable tool for workplaces, especially when stressful times are impacting your business and people experience workplace stress. Staff should be encouraged to be outside so that they can control their stress levels. Nature instantly calms us down and elements, such as greenery, have a therapeutic effect on our minds and bodies. These help to control anxiety and improve attention spans.
What to include in your workplace outdoor break area
So, how do you create effective outdoor break areas for your employees to enjoy? Below are a few elements you can provide outdoors to boost your staff’s health and mental well-being while benefitting your business.
Dining areas
Provide outdoor dining areas to encourage taking lunch breaks outside. This not only lets your staff reap the rewards of fresh air and sunlight, but it also lets staff have the opportunity to socialize with one another in a relaxed and casual setting. Have plenty of picnic tables or dining tables and chairs with parasols to shade them from direct sunlight. Incorporate plants and shrubbery to add greenery to the space for a relaxing vibe.
Work areas with ergonomic furniture
Why not allow a change of scenery for your employees while they’re still working? Create some outdoor working areas to help staff escape workplace distractions and calm them down. These areas can help them continue doing their work in a relaxed environment with less pressure. Plus, they’re perfect for focusing and quiet time that staff need to meet deadlines. Add ergonomic furniture to provide comfort and make sure they’re weather-resistant and durable.
Shade and shelter areas
Give your staff shaded areas to ensure that nobody spends too long in direct sunlight. Shade and shelter are essential to protect your staff from harsh sun or unpredictable weather. Consider retractable awnings for when the sun is beaming, pergolas, and large umbrellas for unexpected rain. You can also have a smoker shelter area to protect staff from unpredictable weather and give those who smoke a dedicated space to do this without affecting anyone else.
Incorporate technology
To make outdoor break areas more functional and enticing for your staff, try to incorporate technology wherever you can. This can be as simple as extending your Wi-Fi signal to the outdoors so that staff can take a break while still being able to keep in touch with their loved ones. Have power outlets too so that employees can charge their devices and stay connected during their breaks.
Outdoor break areas can improve your employees’ satisfaction with their job roles and can improve their health and productivity. Nature has very positive effects on our minds and bodies, allowing your staff to come back to their work tasks feeling refreshed. If you provide outdoor break areas, you won’t only just be looking out for your staff’s health and happiness, but you will also improve your business with better productivity and employee retention.
