Outdoor workspace or green space can offer many benefits to your business. Not only can fresh air and greenery help reduce employee stress, but they can also help increase your company’s morale. Since happy staff can lead to increased productivity, adding green space should be a no-brainer. Not sure how to add the best outdoor workspace? Take a look at the following tips.
Do Your Research
First and foremost, when building an outdoor workspace for your staff, do your research. Find out what other companies have done to make the most out of their space, and delve into case studies regarding the effects of outdoor workspace.
For example, do staff at other businesses do best with standard tables, or do they prefer shady nooks and benches? Also, look into the importance of proper green space, including grassy areas and shade trees, in addition to a basic workspace.
Choose the Best Materials
When selecting your materials, it might be necessary to expand your supplier options. For example, if you live in a rainy region, you might benefit from water-hardy wood such as teak or mahogany. In that case, you’ll need a reliable building materials exporter to meet your needs.
An exporter will also be able to provide a wider variety of materials, including stones, laminate, and lumber. When you choose an exporter, be sure to find one that will work with you from start to finish, from selecting the best materials for your job to shipping them to you.
Get Staff Input
Of everyone at your company, your staff will benefit the most from an outdoor workspace. That being the case, you should take steps to involve your team in the planning process. Since you’re viewing the workspace from an outsider’s perspective, it’s crucial to hear from the people who’ll use it often.
Specifically, you want to ask for input on what type of workspace would be most beneficial. You could do this by emailing a survey or offering a suggestion box. Another option is to use team-building exercises to help get everyone on board with the new changes.
Have a Maintenance Plan in Place
The last thing your staff will want is to sit on outdoor furniture slick with mildew. Moisture-related slime is often unavoidable in outdoor spaces. However, you can combat that by having an effective maintenance plan in place.
The best way to implement a maintenance plan is with proper training. Make sure your current cleaning staff uses the appropriate products that will clean and protect outdoor spaces. Most importantly, inspect furniture and fixtures regularly to ensure everything is in working order.
Hire Professionals
Although you may be tempted to DIY your outdoor workspace, creating the new space will involve more than just purchasing some new furniture. In many cases, you’ll need to make sure your changes are up to code, which means hiring professionals to help with the process.
For example, designers and architects can help create a functional and aesthetically pleasing space. In addition, construction companies can ensure that the area is built correctly and up to code. Likewise, building inspectors will ensure everything is above-board before opening the space to staff.
Make the Space All-Season
One final tip for adding an outdoor workspace is to make sure the space is functional all year round. Although the thought of an outdoor workspace in winter might sound odd, with the proper alterations to the space, you can have the perfect all-season area.
A few considerations might include investing in heat lamps, choosing furniture that can withstand all elements, or installing a retractable awning. A coffee machine would also be a nice addition. By making your outdoor workspace all season, your staff will get the most use out of it and you’ll see the greatest return on investment.
Final Thoughts: Outdoor Workspace
Outdoor workspace can benefit you, your staff, and, of course, your company. Although the initial investment might seem excessive, the shift in your staff morale will give let you rest assured you made the right choice. Take the steps here into consideration, and offer your employees a comfortable workspace that suits their needs.
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