Have you ever noticed how a quick stroll outside can completely shift your mood? The fresh air, a bit of greenery, maybe even a quiet spot to sit and think—it all works together to help you reset. Now, imagine the impact that kind of space would have on your employees. What if they had a go-to escape during a hectic day? A spot to recharge so they can return to work refreshed?

With an outdoor space to relax, employees return to work energized and more creative. And let’s be honest—when employees enjoy where they work, they’re more likely to stay with the company. So, what does it take to build an outdoor area that truly enhances the workday? Let’s explore the key elements that can transform any outdoor space into a retreat that employees will love.

1. Shaded & Private Seating Areas

An inviting outdoor space starts with shaded seating surrounded by greenery. To create cool, comfortable spots for relaxation or casual meetings, install pergolas, shade sails, or trees. Add variety with benches, cushioned seats, picnic tables, or hammocks.

Lush plants, blooming flowers, and well-kept lawns enhance the space. Use hedges, trellises, or tall grasses as privacy screens to create secluded areas for team members to unwind during a hectic shift, have private conversations, or get a little bit of uninterrupted work done in a quiet corner. Choose easy-care plants and seasonal blooms to keep the area vibrant year-round

2. Reliable Wi-Fi Access

Extending your Wi-Fi network to outdoor areas allows employees to stay connected. Reliable internet in outdoor spaces lets employees take it outside when the weather is nice – they can work or attend virtual meetings, take an important call in a quieter location, or hold an outdoor meeting or event. It’s also a huge benefit to have available for downtime, giving employees the chance to unwind during breaks and catch up on the list of reels from a friend, listen to the rest of a podcast from the morning drive, or see how their favorite sports team is faring – off the clock.

If your coverage doesn’t reach your outdoor space, adding Wi-Fi extenders designed for outdoor use is generally a fairly simple IT task. Also, consider making outdoor power outlets accessible so employees can charge their laptops or phones while enjoying the fresh air.

3. Walkways and Paths

Encouraging employees to move around often is important for their health and well-being. Well-designed walkways and paths can promote physical activity while providing a pleasant way for employees to enjoy your business’s outdoor space. Consider creating meandering paths through garden areas or around the property’s perimeter, giving employees the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll during their breaks.

4. Lighting

Great lighting makes your outdoor space usable anytime. For businesses that are open late or operate 24/7, proper lighting ensures that the outdoor space remains inviting and safe, even after the sun goes down. Soft, ambient lighting can create a welcoming atmosphere in the evening, while brighter, focused lighting can illuminate work areas and pathways. You don’t have to break the bank – even a handful of solar lights can keep an outdoor area comfortable for a little while into the darker hours of the day. 

5. Outdoor Recreation

An outdoor space can offer more than just seating to your team. Depending on the size and security of your outdoor space, you can really add some value for your employees with a little creativity. Consider installing outdoor fitness equipment like pull-up bars or a small yoga area. Outdoor games like cornhole or lawn Jenga can add a fun and social element to the space. Recreational features can help keep employees active, boost well-being, and offer excellent casual team-building opportunities.

6. Community Garden

A shared garden is a unique addition to any outdoor space that fosters teamwork, promotes sustainability, and allows employees to enjoy the fruits (or vegetables) of their labor. Employees can grow their own herbs, vegetables, or flowers, adding a personal touch to the space. A garden also serves as a relaxing and rewarding activity, giving employees a chance to connect with nature during their workday.

Interestingly, one study shows that the presence of plants and edible nature at the workplace improves employee’s self-reported wellness by 15%, productivity by 6%, and creativity by 15%. 

7. Versatile Spaces

When your business has a particularly small or large outdoor area, sometimes a flex space is a better option. A flexible, multi-functional outdoor space can serve multiple purposes throughout the day and year, and is often lower-maintenance, like a large lawn or patio. 

For example: a large flex space could, in one day, host an early morning exercise group, a midday employee luncheon, an afternoon meeting, and an evening event for employees and their families. 

8. Maintaining Your Outdoor Space

Regular maintenance is key to keeping an outdoor work area both inviting and safe for everyone to enjoy – but it doesn’t have to be a chore. Think of it like this: just as you wouldn’t let the office go without a good cleaning, the same goes for your outdoor spaces. That means mowing the lawn, trimming the plants, clearing pathways, and making sure all the seating is in good shape.

Even if your space isn’t huge, it is worth bringing in the pros. A professional landscaping service can make sure everything stays looking sharp and running smoothly. Plus, a well-kept outdoor area sends a clear message: your business cares about creating a comfortable, welcoming environment for its customers and employees alike. 

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A well-designed outdoor space is more than just a perk—it’s an investment in your employees’ well-being and productivity. By focusing on shaded seating, reliable Wi-Fi, greenery, outdoor recreation, and proper lighting, you can create a space that employees truly love. Adding features like community gardens, quiet zones, and versatile multi-use areas ensures your outdoor space meets a wide range of needs.

But remember, regular maintenance is key to keeping it all looking great. Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading an existing area, Croy’s Mowing is here to help. Let us handle the upkeep, so your outdoor space remains a vibrant, inviting spot for years to come. Reach out today to learn how we can help make your outdoor vision a reality.