Want better workplace results?
Research says take it outside
F
rom standing desks and team-
building events to onsite services
and remote work opportunities,
companies have adapted over the years
to adopt new solutions that will grow
their company, improve employee
retention and increase productivity.
However, while all of these initiatives
have their benefits, John Scott, senior
workplace design strategy expert for
Haworth, points out many companies
are missing one key solution - an
opportunity that exists all around
them. The chance to enjoy the fresh
air and take their work outside.
“With so many design trends to focus
on, the one that almost always gets
overlooked is utilizing the outdoors
to work and collaborate,” Scott says,
adding that the benefits of outdoor
work extend beyond physical wellness.
There are several benefits to a person’s outside allows for a respite from the
total well-being as well, including the constant screen time. Take a moment
to look away from the screen and
following.
toward a tree or bush in the distance
Improved focus. Yes, we’d all love and it will provide just the break your
to believe that we can commit to eight eyes need.
solid hours of work every single day,
but the truth is it doesn’t happen Relax your brain. Work can be
and in many cases that productivity stressful but spending time outdoors
slips as the day goes on. Working - whether at work or not - has been
outside, however, has been shown shown to release certain chemicals in
to improve workplace focus and can the brain like Gamma-Amino Butyric
restore cognitive and physical energy Acid that work to calm your mind.
to dive back into a project. In fact, So, if a certain project is giving you
research appearing in the book Your difficulty, taking it outside can help
Brain on Nature shows that spending you tackle it in a more rational, calm
time outdoors can lead to increased way.
motivation, improved memory and
Increase and harness
reduced mental fatigue.
c r e at i v i t y . Creativity and
Take an eye break. Too much innovation are critical objectives that
screen time isn’t solely an issue many companies are racing to better
for teenagers. Adults can face this understand and realize in order to
challenge as well, especially those who lead their markets and industries. For
focus on a computer screen as part of these elements to flourish, work space
their job every single day. However, should protect its employees’ ability
taking a break outside or working to focus, collaborate effectively and
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BPT
support the ideal creative rhythms
within an organization. Harvard
physician Eva M. Selhub, co-author of
Your Brain on Nature, says spending
time outdoors allows the higher brain
centers to be accessed, resulting in
increased concentration, improved
memory, greater creativity and
productivity, and reduced mental
fatigue. Work is too often done
within the constraints of four walls,
and stepping outside of that literal
and figurative box can create unique
settings for inspiration and creativity.
Better for the team. The natural
social tendencies of working outside
have been shown to increase team
engagement as team members no
longer feel confined to boring meeting
rooms or that they must be quiet in
their office space. Walking meetings
have also been shown to support
more effective team collaboration by
eliminating smartphone and other
distractions during the meeting.
In fact, research from Stanford