Giving people a relaxing outdoor space to relax and recharge is a smart way to improve your business all around. Studies have shown that even just a few minutes outside can boost energy, creativity, collaboration, productivity, and so much more. Plus investing in your outdoor space can also improve your property value and attract tenets for unused office space.
Picture this. You’ve got 15 minutes for a quick coffee break. Where would you rather spend that time? Sitting at cafeteria tables under fluorescent lighting? Or relaxing next to a bubbling water fountain surrounded by colorful flowers with hummingbirds and butterflies as entertainment?
Easy answer, right? Creating spaces that bring employees outside is just good business. Giving people a variety of spaces to work outside makes work seem less like work. Lunch meetings can be held under umbrella-covered tables on a pretty patio. When writer’s block hits or people feel blocked at work, taking a quick walk on a nature path around the edges of the property can elevate creativity and productivity when they get back to their desks.
Studies have shown that spending time outdoors reduces stress, while helping to improve employee connections, collaborations, mood, morale and even health and wellness.
If you like the idea of creating beneficial outdoor spaces for your business or commercial property, here are a few tips and ideas:
Make it enjoyable, functional – and social media friendly: More work is getting done outdoors these days. Landscapes that take into account work functionality, as well as aesthetics, are a big trend in business and commercial landscaping. Think strategic shaded areas with comfortable seating, wi-fi accessibility, hidden speakers playing soothing music, and settings that inspire people to share on Facebook, Snapchat or Instagram.
Work with professionals: Enlist the services of a professional landscape design company like Rainscape when creating business outdoor workspaces to ensure that it’s done right from the start. While pretty flowers and nice seating is great, a good space will also incorporate proper irrigation with timers to avoid soaking your employees, strategic plantings to make sure your space looks good all year round, is ADA-compliant and accessible for all, and is created with proper installation and maintenance for safety considerations.
Be Creative: If you have little to no space for elaborate landscaping features, think outside the box. Rooftop or balcony gardens, and patio gathering spaces can also provide attractive outdoor settings for employees and visitors alike.
By creating beneficial outdoor spaces, companies can create a competitive advantage for themselves by offering unique places where employees can take a break from cubicle life and recharge, convene and create in a whole new setting.
If you’re thinking of creating an outdoor space for your business or commercial property in Visalia or the San Joaquin and Central Valley area, Rainscape’s experienced team of professional landscape artists can help. Call (559) 651-2333 and we’ll help you get started.