The magic of freedom: How outdoor working fosters creativity

The magic of freedom unfolds when you unleash your creativity outdoors. Outdoor working – or WFO (Work From Outside) – is this summer's hottest new trend.

For everyone who struggles through the dreary winter months year after year, the good news is that warmer days follow as soon as spring arrives. The birds chirp, the sun shines, and we can start taking our Zoom calls from our garden area, while WFH (Work From Home ) WFO (Work from Outside) .

As a sub-area of ​​the megatrend New Work, working outdoors in close proximity to nature offers numerous benefits, ranging from fresh air and natural surroundings to personal freedom and a new, creativity-enhancing working style.

In a world where we spend most of our time in the office, it's time to step outside and discover how outdoor working can enrich not only our job, but also our lives.

Freedom as an essential aspect of human life

Freedom is an essential aspect of human life. The ability to shape our lives according to our own needs and desires gives us a sense of self-determination and independence.

In the workplace – especially in creative professions – freedom can play an equally transformative role. A modern work practice that is becoming increasingly established is so-called “outdoor working ,” where people can perform their professional tasks outdoors.

How outdoor working promotes creativity

This innovative way of working offers numerous advantages and opens up new opportunities to foster creativity. At WFO, we benefit not only from fresh air and a natural environment, but also from an inspiring atmosphere that gets our creative juices flowing.

Studies show that connecting with nature has a positive impact on our thought processes and improves our creativity and problem-solving skills. Working outdoors allows us to break free from the constraints of the traditional office and let our thoughts wander freely.

By absorbing new stimuli and perspectives from our surroundings, we can find innovative solutions and develop fresh ideas. Furthermore, the freedom to work in different locations plays a crucial role in fostering creativity.

Instead of spending all day at a desk in the office, we have the opportunity to set up our workspace anywhere we like. Whether in the park, on the beach, or in a café, we can consciously choose our surroundings and put ourselves where we feel most productive and creative.

The benefits of outdoor working are not limited to creativity. A study by the company Mammut shows that employees who spend time outdoors experience greater job satisfaction and a better work-life balance . Working outdoors makes it possible to combine personal needs with professional requirements and find a healthy balance between work and leisure.

Berlin architect demonstrates positive effect with an experiment

This results in increased motivation and job satisfaction, as we have the freedom to structure our workday according to our individual preferences. An experiment conducted by architect Eike Becker demonstrated the positive effects of outdoor working on creativity.

Participants were asked to move their daily work outdoors for a specific period. The results showed a significant increase in creative productivity and greater job satisfaction. These findings confirm that the freedom to work outdoors has a noticeable impact on our creative thinking.

How companies can implement WFO as part of everyday work

Despite all efforts to enliven office interiors with sufficient plants, discerning planners, developers, and users are increasingly recognizing that the shift of workplaces to the outdoors is a noticeable trend. Outdoor working has impacted architecture, which is now increasingly equipping office buildings with green courtyards, large balconies, loggias, and roof terraces.

The reasons for this trend may lie in two and a half years of social distancing, which have intensified the desire to spend more time in nature. Many have only realized during this time how calming and energizing a walk in the woods can be.

The past months of the pandemic have shown us how valuable it is to work from home and enjoy the benefits of a balcony or garden. Thanks to modern technology such as fast broadband Wi-Fi and smartphones, as well as appropriate software solutions, we are now able to be productive almost anywhere.

This freedom also applies to many offices where mobile devices such as laptops and Bluetooth connections are standard.

Those working in the design industry are familiar with the touted benefits of biophilic design . The principle of biophilia states that humans are naturally drawn to nature and that nature, in turn, is important for our physical and mental well-being.

Biophilic design could be as simple as adding different plants to a workspace or even a green or "living" wall. It could also involve integrating natural materials like wood into a design.

More and more companies are now embracing the concept of outdoor working alongside biophilic offices and indoor spaces, creating dedicated outdoor work areas . Naturally, warmer climates offer ideal conditions for this. However, outdoor workspaces are also possible in cooler regions, provided certain basic requirements are met: protection from the elements such as heat, cold, and wind, as well as comfortable furniture that can withstand prolonged outdoor use.

Implementing the Work From Outside principle in a corporate work environment requires a certain amount of planning and preparation. It also entails higher costs. Companies should ensure that their employees have the necessary technical equipment and resources to work effectively outdoors.

This includes laptops, smartphones, high-speed internet access, and, if necessary, sun or rain protection. Employees should also be informed about the advantages and rules of outdoor working to ensure they can make the best possible use of this opportunity.

Eike Becker, a renowned architect from the Berlin-based firm Eike Becker Architekten, emphasizes the importance of working in natural environments. According to Becker, people can gain new perspectives and boost their creativity outdoors. He recommends viewing outdoor working as personal development training, focusing on connecting with nature and unleashing one's own creativity.

Implementing a WFO (Work-Outdoor Activity) routine also has positive effects on employee health and well-being. Spending time outdoors allows them to be more physically active and increase their vitamin D levels.

More and more employees find the oppressive confinement of stuffy offices or drab meeting rooms stressful. Organizations like "Outside Society" and "Office Caravan" offer an innovative solution. They take work outdoors and create a pleasant atmosphere in nature with outdoor offices. This revitalizes the daily office routine and transforms work into a refreshing experience.

Outside Society presents a mobile, solar-powered outdoor workspace that is set up in inspiring natural locations. It creates an innovative work environment far removed from typical office conditions and sterile conference rooms.

This unique working atmosphere gives teams the opportunity to gain new perspectives away from the oppressive office air and monotonous meeting rooms.

How to personally create an enriching WFO work environment

To concentrate better at work, it's important to find a quiet place and avoid distractions. This might mean going to places with fewer people and less noise, such as early in the morning or in secluded spots.

Working outdoors, surrounded by fresh air and inspiring natural scenery, can sometimes make it difficult to fully concentrate on your work. However, with a few helpful tips and tricks , everyone can find the necessary focus.

First, it's important to consciously schedule time for outdoor working . By structuring your workday and setting specific times when you want to work outside, you create a clear separation between work and leisure .

Another tip is to find a suitable outdoor workspace . Whether it's a quiet park, a cozy beer garden, your own garden, or a terrace with a view – the important thing is that you feel comfortable and undisturbed there.

You don't have to balance your laptop on a wooden bench while kneeling to enjoy the beauty of nature and get your work done. Solutions like the Extremis AMAi collection offer a functional workspace for everyone, providing both sitting and standing height options as well as integrated technology. It may look like a picnic table, but it's much more than that. Thanks to its inherent modularity, users can add and change components as their needs evolve.

The right work environment makes it easier to relax and get into the flow of work. Setting clear goals can also help sharpen focus. By thinking in advance about which tasks you want to complete and how much time you need for them, you can concentrate on them effectively.

It is advisable to create a realistic to-do list and to consciously schedule breaks to clear your head in between.

Last but not least, personal attitude also plays an important role. Recognizing the benefits of outdoor working for one's own creativity and productivity increases motivation. Being aware of the privileged position of being able to work outdoors can provide additional incentive to focus on tasks and make the most of them.

Step by step to a relaxed outdoor workspace

1. Choose your sun protection wisely

There's nothing worse than sitting under a garden parasol that doesn't quite do its job. That's why it's important to pay attention to the actual fabric material when buying your parasol.

Mark Feldman , Chief Home Officer of Riverbend Home the best fabric on the market is a marine-grade acrylic product called “Sunbrella” . It is a solution-dyed material that is weather- and light-resistant. It is also specifically designed for shade.

The expert also suggests looking for umbrellas with an automatic tilt function. This allows users to follow the sun and thus provide continuous shade, even while seated.

2. Design your outdoor workspace ergonomically

We're all aware of the drawbacks of being chained to a desk all day. Unfortunately, these don't disappear when you step outside—they can even get worse. Even without an ergonomic desk chair to keep your spine properly aligned, you still need to ensure your setup isn't putting strain on your neck and shoulders.

The most important factor is to ensure that the chair you are sitting on and the table you are using are properly aligned in an ergonomic sense.

Although working in a hammock sounds cozy, if you are working outdoors for an extended period of time, it is best to sit down at a traditional outdoor dining table.

The job doesn't end with making sure your desk and chair are in good working order. You still need to sit correctly. If your chair is too low, it will cause lower back pain. If it's too high, you'll get elbow pain.

A good rule of thumb: If the chair and table are properly aligned, you should be able to comfortably rest your arms on the table. To ensure the chair and table are the correct distance, you should never have to reach for anything, stretch, or turn around.

Your feet should always be flat on the floor. To ensure the seat is at the correct height, the highest point of the seat should be just below your kneecaps. Your knees should form a 90-degree angle.

And if your outdoor chair doesn't have a good backrest, consider adding a lumbar cushion.

3. Consider a standing ticket

Standing desks are becoming increasingly popular and are another great alternative for WFO. But don't lug your desk into the wilderness.

As a makeshift solution, you can also repurpose a flower bench or a table at bar height.

4. Limit distractions as much as possible

Working in a large, open space, especially when sitting at a computer, can be a nightmare in terms of concentration and productivity.

If you have the space, you could consider exploring your options for something more permanent. For example, you could convert a shed or invest gazebo or pergola

If this isn't possible, all hope for privacy isn't lost. Using privacy screens, curtains, hedges, or outdoor planters are also excellent ways to create a barrier that makes your workspace more private while keeping out noise.

If privacy in your garden is important to you, you can opt large-format and low-maintenance privacy screen products privacy strips suppliers specializing in the distribution and manufacture of garden fences, Gartenzaun24, a diverse selection of WPC, aluminum, ceramic, and glass elements that you can individually combine for your privacy fence.

Gabion fence solutions are also enjoying increasing popularity for enclosures and partitions in home gardens. Modular gabion baskets offer a flexible solution for almost any requirement.

You can further suppress loud noises by noise-canceling headphones , white noise machines , or even a outdoor waterfall

No matter how you decorate your new outdoor office space, don't forget sun protection and insect spray – two of the most important WFO requirements.

5. Appropriate climate control

You can't control the weather, but you can invest in equipment that will help you cool or heat your outdoor area, depending on where you live, to make working outdoors more comfortable.

For example, you can install ceiling fans outdoors to cool down, or buy a patio heater for added comfort.

6. Separate work and leisure time

Chances are, you and your family use your garden for recreational activities like sports or walk through a sprinkler system. If you're setting up an outdoor workspace, consider using decorative screens or planters to create more privacy and separate your work area from your personal space

Erecting partition walls is also a smart idea if you have neighbors in close proximity.

Nardi's Sipario planters, for example, are a perfect solution for dividing outdoor spaces. This modular outdoor partition system is made from recycled plastic and includes a self-watering planter, perfect for those of us who occasionally forget to water our plants.

7. Power supply

Power supply is a requirement you might not consider when moving your office outdoors. You'll need a nearby electrical outlet (and possibly an extension cord or power strip) to plug in your laptop, phone, tablet, or other devices.

And since the sun moves throughout the day, Brooks recommends getting a device like a ring light if you're making a Zoom call and are in the sun's shadow.

If electrical outlets are not possible in your outdoor area, look for USB batteries as an alternative (see Terms & Conditions .

8. Make it a place you enjoy being

Last but not least: don't neglect your immediate surroundings and background. For a cozy atmosphere, consider decorative cushions for indoor and outdoor use, blankets that also provide warmth when the weather gets cooler, or string lights to add another light source and create a cozy atmosphere when sunlight is low.

Sources and further information

• • Eike Becker in the md – magazine on the topic of outdoor working, https://www.md-mag.com/news/branche/outdoor-working/
  • the spruce : WFO (Work From Outside) Is the Work Trend You Need to Know for Spring , https://www.thespruce.com/wfo-is-the-work-trend-to-know-about-5115222
  • REAL SIMPLE : How to Set Up the Perfect Work-From-Outdoors Space (Since WFO Is the New WFH) , https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/organizing/organizing-home-office/work-from-outdoors-tips
  • Outside Society , https://outside-society.ch/