As a business owner, you want to provide your employees with everything they need to succeed. This includes a comfortable and functional work environment. You may not have considered the importance of outdoor space, but creating beneficial outdoor spaces for your employees can improve their health, happiness, and productivity. Here are six tips for creating beneficial outdoor spaces for your employees.
1. Focus on Functionality
When creating outdoor spaces for your employees, it is important to focus on functionality. The space should be designed with your employees’ needs in mind. Consider adding features such as walking paths, picnic tables, and grills. If your budget allows, you may also want to add a Zen garden or an outdoor seating area with Wi-Fi access.
You should also consider the layout of the space. Make sure there is enough room for employees to move around comfortably. The outdoor space should also be easily accessible from the indoor space. No one wants to have to go on a long walk just to get to the outdoor space.
2. Incorporate Nature
Incorporating nature into the outdoor space is another key element. Studies have shown that being around nature can reduce stress levels and increase productivity. Adding plants, flowers, and trees to the space will make it more visually appealing and help your employees relax and recharge.
If you have the budget, you may also want to consider installing a water feature. The sound of running water is calming and can help reduce stress levels. With a water feature, you can also create a habitat for local wildlife, adding to the space’s appeal.
3. Use Sustainable Materials
When selecting materials for the outdoor space, choosing sustainable options is important. This includes using materials made from recycled materials that can be reused or recycled after they’ve been used. For example, you can use the Trex deck gate for your fence. Trex is made from recycled wood and plastic and is designed to last for years with little maintenance.
Adding a fence will not only provide privacy for your employees, but it will also help to reduce noise pollution. It is also important to choose durable materials that can stand up to the elements. This will help you avoid frequently replacing materials, which can save you money in the long run.
4. Consider the Climate
When creating an outdoor space, you need to take the climate into consideration. If you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow, you will want to choose materials that can withstand the elements. For example, using concrete pavers for your patio will help to prevent flooding.
If you live in a hot climate, you will want to choose materials that will help keep the space cool. For example, using perforated metal for your fence will allow air to flow through and keep the space cooler.
5. Make It Accessible
Making the outdoor space accessible to all employees is essential. This means considering employees with disabilities or using assistive devices such as wheelchairs or walkers. Add features such as ramps or raised planters to make the space accessible to everyone. You should also consider the lighting in the space. Employees should be able to see where they are going, even at night. Adding solar-powered lights is a great way to light the space without adding to your electric bill.
6. Keep It Clean
Finally, you need to make sure the outdoor space is always clean. This means regular garbage pickup and power washing of the area. You may also want to consider hiring a gardener to help keep the space looking its best.
Along with regular cleaning, you should also make sure the space is free of debris. This means removing leaves, branches, and other items that can blow into the space and create a mess. Here are some tips to help you keep the space clean:
- Have a regular cleaning schedule and stick to it.
- Power wash the area regularly to remove dirt and grime.
- Keep the area free of litter.
- Put up signs asking employees to keep the space clean.
- Encourage employees to report any litter or debris in the area.
- Offer rewards for employees who help keep the space clean.
Creating beneficial outdoor spaces for your employees is a great way to improve their health, happiness, and productivity. Follow these tips to create an outdoor space that your employees will love. So there you have it — top 6 tips for creating beneficial outdoor spaces for your employees! Now get out there and start creating!
