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While most have been working from home during the pandemic some may be feeling stuck
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It doesn’t matter if you work from home or the office. Working outdoors is something everyone might want to do from time to time instead of sitting at their desk and staring at the computer screen under harsh fluorescent lighting. Being indoors can make you feel more tired, especially if you’re someone who feels more awake and positive outdoors.
Unfortunately, working outdoors comes with some distractions, like the neighbors’ kids playing in the sprinklers or barking dogs.
Working Outdoors Successfully
Remote workers and office workers need to be outside more. After waking up early, driving to work, spending eight hours at the office just to make it home as the sun is going down isn’t healthy, because the sun is beneficial for us in many ways. Not to mention, according to GardenBenches, indoor pollution can be just as bad as outdoor pollution. Nevertheless, getting fresh air rarely hurts anyone. Here’s how you can get out more.
Talk to Your Boss
Working outdoors doesn’t mean you’ll get distracted and go off on an adventure as your boss thinks. Asking your boss if you can work outside rather than inside is simple. Instead of asking, let your boss know why you’d like to work outdoors. You can let them know you believe you’ll be more productive in natural light and fresh air. You can also ask your coworkers if they’d enjoy working outside as well.
If you’re lucky enough to get the whole office involved in the plan, you can explain to your boss how working outdoors can make the office eco-friendly and reduce the electricity bill. Make sure you point out the benefits of employees working outside for your employer as well as the employees.
Start a Recycling Program
Most companies are trying to be more green to save on costs and to appease the demand of their customers and employees. To be outside more, ask your boss if you can start a recycling program that consists of adding recycling bins to the office and picking up litter outside the building during lunch. Your employer can provide incentives for this, and a better-looking exterior of the building gives clients and customers a better first impression, which can promote business growth.
Tips for Working Outside
Once you’ve convinced your employer to start letting you work outside more, or you’ve decided to do it on your own (if you work from home), it’s time to start thinking of ways to be successful in your work.
Get Good Seating
You don’t need anything special to begin working outside, but proper seating will go a long way to help you stay comfortable, especially if your job requires you to sit for long periods. Remember, bad posture can affect your health and your productivity. Before you take yourself outside to begin work, grab a chair from home that’s comfortable enough to work in for hours.
You may want to bring an outdoor work table or lap rest to improve your posture and comfort even more.
HAVE YOU READ?
Stay Organized
It’s not the best decision to take a bunch of loose-leaf papers outside, especially on a windy day. Some people can spend the entire day working outside while others can’t. When you are working outside, make sure you stay organized. You can’t take a desktop with you, but you can use a laptop, which gives you the freedom to move around.
You should move one product at a time outside so you don’t lose anything and keep distractions down to a minimum.
Don’t Work at the Beach
While it might make your work sound more relaxing, taking your work to the beach is a bad idea. There are way too many distractions, including the water, sand getting everywhere, or people enjoying themselves around you. Not to mention, taking electronics like your laptop to the beach can be detrimental. Sand and water are too dangerous to have around you expensive devices. Not to mention, leaving your stuff on the beach to take a bathroom break means you’ve opened yourself up to beach theft.
Choose a Quiet Spot
Most people have neighbors that always want to chat, and some of those neighbors have children who play outside on nice days. While maintaining relationships with your neighbors is great, don’t choose to work in an area where a neighbor might approach you while working. Instead, find a spot where it’s private, so if your neighbor does see you, they get the message you cannot be disturbed.
Take Breaks
Take the same breaks you would if you were sitting at your desk. While working outside might feel like a break-in and of itself, you must stand up and walk around a bit to prevent fatigue.
Should You Work Outside?
Unfortunately, not everyone can work outside. It depends on the type of work you do. For example, someone who works in a warehouse cannot take their work outside with them. However, those who work remotely can take their laptops, cell phones, or notebooks outside. You can’t move all of your equipment outside, but there are ways you can have outdoor days where you can focus on tasks that can be accomplished outside.
What If Working Outside Isn’t Possible?
If working outside isn’t possible for you and you find yourself constantly stuck indoors, try setting time in your day to get out more. You can use your lunch break to take a walk outside to enjoy nature and get a gentle workout that keeps you motivated for the rest of the day. Or you can look into different office desks that doubles as a standing desk, which can get you off your feet more.
You should also remind yourself to spend time outdoors during the weekend. When you spend your weekdays indoors, it can be difficult to realize you’re not spending enough time outdoors. Plan outdoor activities each weekend so you can get enough time in the sun and away from screens like your computer, phone, and even your television.
Matt Casadona has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Psychology. Matt is passionate about marketing and business strategy and enjoys San Diego life, traveling, and music.