About 5 million Americans workers worked remotely before COVID-19. These numbers grew rapidly during the pandemic, and they haven’t slowed down. Global Workplace Analytics predicts that 25 to 30% of the workforce will work remotely several days a week by the end of 2021. This means that about one in four Americans would be able to reap the benefits of working from home.

So far I have worked remotely as a freelance writer for seven years. As someone who is not new to working from home, I have realized that while this arrangement can be very productive, it is not without its drawbacks. Sometimes remote working can be very monotonous, resulting in decreased efficiency, inspiration and creative energy.

However, I have learned that working outdoors can be a simple change of scenery that boosts productivity.

Take your work outside

Research shows that just looking outside can help increase productivity. And this remarkable effect is compounded when you place yourself in an outdoor environment.

And the benefits don’t end there. the presence of green and natural environments is proven to reduce cortisol levels in the brain, reduce heart rate and blood pressure, increase parasympathetic nerve activity, and decrease sympathetic nerve activity. Together, these sensations can lead to a feeling of relaxation.

It is clear that working outdoors puts people in a much better mental and physical condition to complete tasks and do deep work. So, with all these advantages, how do you create an outdoor workspace that is both functional and comfortable? Interview with Sacha Leclair, longtime designer and founder of the Canadian company Decor Leclair, he said Fast business the main things to consider when creating an outdoor workspace are the same as any indoor workspace: comfort, function and focus.

To relate these three factors to your field office setup, follow these tips.

Arrangement of your outdoor workspace

While it would be ideal to have a small, enclosed structure that you could work in outside, many of us don’t have the space or the financial capacity for this option to be realistic.

Instead, start by choosing an outdoor location away from noise. This is especially important if you are attending online meetings or need to take phone calls. Look for a shaded area to limit glare to the screen and reduce sun exposure. If no natural shade is available, consider installing an umbrella.

Remember to take into account the availability of the Internet and the proximity of a power source; both should be easily accessible to maintain the function of your outdoor space.

For comfort and function

Comfort is essential to productivity, so when I went out to build my own outdoor workspace, finding comfortable seating was high on my list of priorities. In my case, Perth Chair from Industry West and that section outdoor lounger are two solid options that offer the perfect blend of comfort and functionality.

When it comes to setting up a desk, your ideal option depends on how you work best: some people like to have a standing outside desk, a desk on their knees, or a small table that functions as a worktop. . For me, a small laptop does the trick.

The main vanity is not to limit yourself. It’s your home office; you can configure things according to your individual needs.

Foster a conducive space

Being outdoors reduces stress and increases productivity, but sometimes the attraction of nature can be too hard to ignore. If you’re feeling distracted, try incorporating some music into your outdoor workspace. Researchers found that test subjects were more productive when listening to songs 121 bpm. Music at an upbeat tempo can improve performance.

Personally, I like to listen to lo-fi music while working outdoors. i use a portable wireless speaker by Sonos that I can easily take wirelessly outside.

Where I live in the Midwest, my other biggest outdoor distraction comes in the form of mosquitoes and midges, which can be a nuisance to outdoor offices. To keep them at bay, I use Thermacell portable insect repellent without having to use a distracting and heavily scented bug spray.

The benefits of fresh air and sunlight make working outdoors a revitalizing alternative that can be an attractive adoption for a remote worker. As our world increasingly opens up to remote working as a potentially long-term setup, it’s time to take advantage of the flexibility it offers. Experiment a bit and set up your outdoor office to be functional, comfortable, and conducive to focused work. You may find that by working outside, you get more done.

Kaleigh moore is a writer and consultant for companies in the SaaS sector.