Over the last couple of years, working from home has become the norm for many people. In fact, a study from Global Workplace Analytics estimates that 4.1% of the United States workforce works from home half of the time or more. That equates to over 60 million people!
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people and businesses have transitioned to working from home. Working from home can have many benefits, like no uniforms or dress code, creating your own schedule, and the ability to change your workspace & scenery. Having an outdoor office is a great way to accomplish a change in scenery, especially if you have a comfortable outdoor space to work in.
Benefits of Working Outside
Staying inside can be comfortable, but there are multiple benefits to having an outdoor workspace. Staying inside for days and hours at a time can cause our brains to become lethargic & lose focus.
Going outside can help fuel your creativity, change your scenery, soak up natural light, and refresh your brain. And, spending time outside can strengthen your immune system – which is something we could all use on a regular basis. So, how do you set up an ideal outdoor workspace?
Take Care of the Necessities
If your laptop battery has a long life, you can work from your porch, patio, or anywhere you like. But, if your laptop requires a power source, you’ll need to set it up near an electrical outlet. You can use an outdoor extension cord to reach a table or comfortable chair outside.
Find the Right Furniture
If you use the wrong chair or table, you can end up with back or neck pain worse than what you experienced sitting at your indoor desk. Having comfortable outdoor furniture for your outdoor workspace is key to preventing that.
If you haven’t already, it may be time to invest in the best quality outdoor furniture available. You’ll need something that is durable, comfortable, and practical for both a workspace and spending time outside after work. Seating with some padding & support will keep you comfortable and productive. Or, if you need room to spread out papers or books, you may want to opt for a table & chairs set. This way, you have room for work and a space to enjoy dinners outside with your family.
Stay Out of the Sun
It can be hard to stay under the shade and still in the range of a wifi connection unless you have an awning or umbrella. The sun can glare on your computer screen, making it difficult to see things. A retractable awning can be a game-changer for your outdoor office space.
Retractable awnings keep your outdoor space cool & comfortable. They allow you to be protected from the elements with a push of a button. And, by restricting the amount of natural sunlight that hits your home, they can also lower the indoor temperature of your home by as much as 15 degrees (which could save you up to 60% on the cooling portion of your energy bill!). Learn more about the benefits of retractable awnings.
Another (more portable) option for shade is a tilt umbrella. It can be set up and adjusted as the sun moves, allowing you to stay in the shade all day. Tilt umbrellas are great options if you have a smaller space.
Find Everything You Need
If you’re ready to create an outdoor workspace, Bassemier’s is here to help. Check out our in-stock patio furniture now or visit our showroom to find the perfect set for you. Contact us today to get started on furnishing your outdoor workspace!
