TOP TIPS FOR A WORK FROM HOME OUTDOOR OFFICE

Across Australia, the uncertainty created from the ever changing COVID-19 health crisis is changing the way we live, work and interact. With the current social distancing recommendations, many Australians are finding themselves working from home. So much of our lives and business occur online that for many, all they need is a laptop, phone and decent internet connection. The traditional, stationary office desk is also becoming a thing of the past, so that quarantine doesn’t necessarily mean long hours shut up indoors.

“With wirelessly connected devices offering endless options, people are no longer simply converting a spare bedroom or loft room into an office – we are beginning to see a huge rise in the outdoor office and with our amazing climate and the added health benefits, it’s easy to see why,” says landscaping expert and Adbri Masonry brand ambassador, Jason Hodges.

For many of us, this office relocation to the home is a new and sudden change which can take some adjusting. That’s why we’re sharing our tips to help you set up a productive outdoor office at your home.

Jason Hodges offers some top tips to create an outdoor office at your home:

Use pavers to create a work area

A solid paved area will clearly define your workspace and help separate it from the rest of the yard. If you don’t already have a paved area in your backyard, creating a small paved patio/alfresco area is a DIY paving task you can manage in a weekend. A space of 4 metres by 4 metres will provide ample room for your outdoor setup, which also doubles as a practical entertaining area. Adbri Masonry retail partners can deliver a full range of Adbri Masonry concrete pavers and base materials to your door so you can maintain social distancing and avoid crowds at the shops.

Create an inspiring ambiance with plants

There are so many proven benefits to having plants in your office, and an outdoor office makes this all the more possible. Some of the many positives of having plants in the workplace include helping to reduce stress while increasing productivity and creativity, improving air quality, filtering out harmful pollutants and reducing noise levels by absorbing sounds. This is one of the quickest and easiest ways to transform your existing outdoor area into an inspiring place that feels like an outdoor office. You can also use potted plants to “frame” the work space area.

Be sun smart – add some shade

If your outdoor area gets a lot of sun it’s going to make working outside difficult, not just with sun exposure, but also in seeing through the glare on your computer screen. You can make a quick and easy fix with the addition of a wide umbrella or shade cloth.

If you foresee yourself working from home for the long term, or you are a regular outdoor entertainer (in more normal times) you could consider DIY building a pergola or something else more permanent.

Separate your outdoor office

In addition to paving, you can further separate your outdoor office from the rest of the yard by building a screening wall using Breeze Way Besser Blocks. This is an increasingly popular project and the style of these walls continues to be popular in architectural design for both backyards and commercial settings like cafés. A decorative screening wall is particularly attractive for those with young families and pets as the walls provide a partial frame while providing transparency to keep an eye on everything else that is happening in the yard. This is another DIY task you can tackle on a weekend with materials ordered and delivered from your local landscaping yard.

Include the kids

If your kids are also at home, make your outdoor office kid friendly by including a reading nook, sandpit or something to keep them entertained.

You’ll be able to keep an eye on them as you work, knowing that they’re playing safely in your backyard, enjoying the outdoors and time away from screens while you work.

Ask for help

We’re always happy to help with tips, ideas and DIY guides so you can create a yard where you’re happy to work from home. If you have any questions, send them our way.