Fresh Air, Fresh Thinking: Making the Most of Your Outdoor Office Space
Looking for new ways to boost productivity in the office? You may well be overlooking one of your most valuable resources. It’s right outside your entrance and doesn’t cost a penny – fresh air.
So many office managers overlook the benefits of fresh air when searching for new ideas to inspire their team and support employee wellbeing. Encouraging regular breaks outside by providing comfortable outdoor furniture is a simple but highly effective way to keep employees performing at their best. So if you haven’t created an outdoor breakout space for your staff, you’re missing out – and here’s why.
Benefits of Fresh Air Breaks During a Busy Workday
If you’re not already using your outdoor office space, you’re losing out on the benefits of fresh air for improving productivity and supporting employee wellbeing. The combination of fresh air, natural light and a quick change of scenery works wonders when it comes to refreshing both body and mind.
Whether it’s a short stroll between meetings or a relaxing lunch break at an outdoor breakout space, you’ll return to the desk feeling reenergised and ready to focus. Fresh air helps you to:
- Clear your head – reset your focus to return feeling sharper and more refreshed
- Improve your mood – natural light and open space shapes a more positive mindset
- Reduce stress levels – a change of scenery eases tension to help you feel calmer
- Feel fresher – breaks up long periods of sitting to encourage healthy movement
- Think creatively – enjoy the freedom to think more freely than you do at a desk
Outdoor Office Furniture for a Better Breakout Space
When the weather’s good, there’s nothing better than swapping the stifling heat of an office for the fresh air of an outdoor breakout space. Whether you decide to head outside for an impromptu team huddle in the sunshine, or you just want to relax during a coffee break, it’s essential to choose the right office outdoor furniture.
Commercial outdoor furniture is designed to handle daily use, unpredictable weather and the practical needs of a busy workplace, all while keeping your team comfortable enough to enjoy the fresh air. If you’re planning an outdoor breakout area, here are a few important features to consider.
- Durability – commercial outdoor furniture is in use throughout the day, every day. It must be strong enough to cope with the bumps and knocks of repeated use.
- Weather resistance – rustproof materials like powder-coated aluminium or synthetic materials like HDPE plastic and resin wicker are designed for rain and UV resistance.
- Low maintenance – avoid natural woods that require regular treatment. The best outdoor office furniture for busy workplaces will require nothing more than an occasional wipe down.
- Easy cleaning – simple surfaces and wipeable finishes make it easy to keep outdoor furniture clean. It should only take a few seconds to wipe clean between uses.
- Portability – choose lightweight outdoor furniture that’s easy to move and store if you need to pack it away at the end of each day. Stackable or foldable options make your life easier.
Outdoor Seating Ideas
A comfortable outdoor seating area gives your team a great spot to relax, chat or hold quick catch‑ups in the fresh air. Sturdy outdoor benches work well for shared spaces and can seat multiple people without taking up too much room, while individual chairs offer more flexibility for solo breaks or small group conversations.
Mix in a few low tables so staff have somewhere to put drinks, laptops or notebooks during informal meetings. Lightweight or stackable seating also makes it easy to rearrange the space depending on the weather or how your team prefers to use it.
Outdoor Lunch Break Ideas
Encourage staff to take proper breaks away from their desks by adding outdoor dining furniture into your breakout space. Cafe‑style tables or picnic benches create a chilled out vibe that’s perfect for lunch breaks, team chats or even outdoor workshops.
Larger tables give people space to eat comfortably, while durable, wipe‑clean surfaces keep things practical for busy workplaces. Positioning tables in shaded or partially covered areas helps your team enjoy the fresh air on the hottest days. You could also consider parasols for additional shade – or shelter from light showers.
Outdoor Breakout Space Ideas
Encouraging staff to enjoy the benefits of fresh air isn’t just about coffee and lunch breaks. You could also consider installing a bike rack shelter alongside your outdoor breakout space.
It plays a central role in helping your company to support a Cycle to Work scheme, inspiring employees to swap the car for a healthier and more eco-friendly mode of transport. Alongside other covered shelters, it also gives staff a place to socialise outdoors when the weather isn’t so good.
In Summary
Creating an outdoor breakout space is one of the simplest ways to improve your team’s focus and raise energy levels. Fresh air benefits everyone, encouraging regular breaks for clearer thinking and a healthier workplace routine. If you’re not making the most of your outdoor office space, you’re missing out on a wonderful way to increase productivity and employee wellbeing – all just a few steps from the office door.
Turn Fresh Air into a Workplace Win
Start putting your outdoor office space to good use. Shop our extensive collection of all-weather furniture to create your own outdoor breakout area.
