Goodbye Corner Office, Hello Outdoor Workspace

Today’s employers are enticing workers from cramped and cluttered office cubicles to the fresh air of green, open outdoor settings. Why is office real estate migrating? By emphasizing the human psyche’s need for more motivational surroundings than an uninspiring bleak, carpeted cubicle wall, the move is serving as a major selling point for top performers, drawing in talent, and boosting creativity and innovation.  

From Boxed-In to Opened-Up
Providing office workers a more natural working environment is nothing new. In fact, the outdoor or ‘green office’ phenomenon is sweeping the globe, as seen in Amazon’s ‘Sphere’ concept. Cramped cubicles are being recycled in favor lush, green, open office spaces. Workers are fleeing the confines of cubicles to confer or work solo in communal outdoor work areas as corporate America opts-in with more traditional outdoor alternatives to Amazon’s ‘treehouse’ and ‘bird’s nest’ meeting spaces.

A Cultural Shift
A growing U.S. trend, the tech sector, in particular, is known for such creative office culture. With studies increasingly pointing to the benefits of human connection with nature, businesses of all genres are increasingly jumping on the outdoor office bandwagon, ditching draining fluorescents and stuffy, polluted office air for the fresh air, warmth and natural light of the outdoors. Since few have the space and finances to pull-off the extremes of Amazon’s bubble-encased rainforest, it’s inspiring to know the de-stressing, creativity and productivity-boosting effects of an outdoor working environment can be easily achieved even in more modestly decked-out outdoor office settings. Patio transformations, balcony additions, and even green rooftop conversions offer ample opportunity for achieving all the benefits an outdoor office has to offer, enticing workers into a more collaborative, inspiring setting.

Cultivating a Green Setup
How can you ensure maximum return on investment when cultivating your outdoor office space addition?  

• Capitalize on unused outdoor space.
  Identify opportunities on your property, seeking them on neglected patios, in existing green space, an overlooked rooftop, or even taking advantage of airspace with a balcony or deck addition.
• Take advantage of surroundings.
  Make the most of great views, or create your own with thriving, green addition. Remember, a drab outdoor space abutting a concrete wall is no better than boring cubicle locales. You’re looking to refresh and inspire. Achieve success with these tips.
• Include necessary creature comforts.
  Great lighting, electricity, an internet connection, and comfy, ergonomic furniture are key to an outdoor office that will be used and loved. Ceiling fans, portable heaters, and motorized screens to guard against glare and pests ensure the comfort and protection necessary for upholding productivity.
• Create an all-season refuge.
  The flexible, dependable shelter of an Arcadia adjustable aluminum pergola is key to providing a hospitable outdoor work environment that delivers relief from Austin sun and thundershowers. Dial-in the perfect amount of ventilation, sun, shade, or protect electronics from the rain with 170-degrees of pivoting louver flexibility. Adjust settings quickly and conveniently via remote or iLouver app-driven operation, or program for automatic response with additional rain or wind sensing technology.

Boost productivity, inspire creativity, and attract new talent by getting out in the great outdoors. Open up to new ways of utilizing available space with the help of Amazing Pergolas. Schedule your complimentary design consultation today.

This post was originally published at http://austinpergola.net/goodbye-corner-office-hello-outdoor-workspace/