Outdoor spaces are not always utilized to their fullest. A business with ample outside resources near its main building could craft an area that wows employees and makes them eager to commute in the morning.
A recreational space lets team members relax when they’re not actively working on something, and designing it from the ground up can give them exactly what they want.
Here’s what to consider when developing an employee-friendly outdoor retreat everyone will use and enjoy.
1. Define a Space
Business leaders must first map out what they want from the recreation area. This roadmap guides a company’s vision and helps officials understand how to adhere to it. Defining the space’s use provides a guideline for what’s needed to create a perfect addition to the workplace.
Will this space be somewhere employees can work from if they choose to? If so, business leaders must mitigate the noise levels workers might experience from nearby roads or construction. People should not have to yell to speak to someone else. If so, the area might be louder than 85 decibels, which can harm a person’s hearing over time. Some businesses provide noise-canceling headphones for folks who plan to work or relax outside.
2. Opt for Collaboration
Many outdoor spaces are created with the option to relax and collaborate with others. Whether employees are working on a project or just having a fun conversation, the area should be set up to include people rather than close them off. For example, a meeting room is much different from a classroom or a cafe, emphasizing more independence and working or relaxing alone.
Business leaders should arrange seating so employees have space while allowing them to talk to others easily. This kind of seating might encourage conversation without feeling too awkward. That way, they can turn to others and speak to them when necessary.
3. Plant Greenery
Business leaders should strive to embrace nature as one of their main goals for an outdoor space. Plants keep the air clean and may motivate employees who feel burned out. Spending around 20 minutes in nature can relieve stressed or anxious workers. Creating a soothing green space can help combat burnout.
4. Adhere to a Budget
Company leaders must set a budget for creating an outdoor oasis and stick to it, like anything else in a business. They may not be able to build an entire outdoor area in one month, but they can section out parts of it to work on every few weeks. This spreads out the improvements, and the space’s completion can be something every employee looks forward to. Officials can direct future upgrades once there’s room for them in the budget.
5. Pick the Right Furniture
Business leaders must consider their goals and pick furniture that can withstand the climate. Stainless steel is an excellent outdoor option, as it can resist years of wear and tear without looking worn, though it might be too stiff for some people. Company officials can mitigate this by adding pillows and cushions to make the seating more comfortable.
The right kind of seating can also matter to employees. Chairs might be a relaxing place to take a break or serve as a makeshift meeting space. However, ADA-compliant picnic tables can encourage everyone to eat lunch outside. Choosing furniture that adheres to an area’s goal is an important part of design.
6. Keep the Area Safe
Business leaders should consider how to keep an outdoor area safe for employees of all ages and abilities. They should consider those with disabilities and how they can accommodate them so they can use the space like everyone else.
They should also fortify the location. If it’s on a rooftop, they may need to purchase and plant a row of hedges to act as a natural, beautiful fence to keep employees from walking too close to the edge.
7. Give Opportunities to Use the Space
Employees need opportunities to use the new outdoor space or they’ll never have a chance to see it for themselves. If a company’s main goal is to allow employees to decompress, it must advocate for people to take breaks outside. Workers don’t need to take 10,000 steps a day to see health benefits, but managers should encourage them to walk outdoors to get fresh air and enjoy being outdoors.
Alternatively, business leaders could use the area for meetings when the weather is nice. The outdoors often provides distractions that may not always be easy to overcome, but it might be a welcome break from the office scenery team members are used to.
8. Add Draws to the Space
Just because employees have opportunities to use a new space doesn’t mean they will. Managers and bosses should provide incentives that make more people interested in visiting the area. Outdoor lawn games could encourage co-workers to take breaks outside and get some fresh air while having fun with one another and strengthening their bonds.
9. Listen to Feedback
Business owners should be open to listening to feedback about the new area. Constructive feedback provides information in a positive way. Having employees speak anonymously about what they think an outdoor space could improve upon is crucial to creating an environment where everyone feels safe, comfortable and happy. That way, a company can continue improving the area as time progresses.
10. View It as an Ongoing Project
An outdoor space won’t be perfect from the time of initial conception. Additions or revisions may be necessary for employees to see a net value. Over time, business leaders will learn what works and what doesn’t and can continue improving. Should more seating be added? Would a speaker system and soothing music add value? These upgrades can be made over time to enhance the area and give workers what they want.
A business should consider its outdoor recreational space a work in progress. Leaders should continually strive to improve things for their employees and have these areas reflect what’s important to them. This way, it’s tailored to what people want to use it for.
Keep a Recreation Space Stress-Free
Employees should have somewhere to relax, hold a stress-free meeting or have lunch while getting out in nature. Thoughtful design will make them more inclined to use the space and feel grateful for the chance to get outside during a workday, boosting morale and improving everyone’s outlook.
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