Best Practices for Setting Up Outdoor Home Offices

Creating an outdoor home office offers a unique opportunity to invigorate your workday with fresh air and sunlight. Whether transforming an outbuilding into a dedicated workspace or a simple backyard shady spot, there are plenty of creative options for your outdoor office.

Lighting is critical, as well as ensuring that your office has a clear view of the surrounding scenery to avoid distractions. Soundproof office pods are another option for those who prefer a fully immersive working experience.

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Choose the Right Furniture

The type of furniture you choose for your outdoor home office will depend on your work. For example, an artist’s studio would need more durable pieces to withstand the elements. Still, a simple backyard office for writing or emailing might only require a comfy portable chair and a lap desk wide enough to accommodate a laptop and mouse.

Separating your office space from the rest of the porch or patio is an excellent way to ensure you can concentrate. Add privacy with a screen or room divider, or hang curtains to block the sun and distractions.

For ergonomic comfort, invest in a sturdy outdoor desk made from weather-resistant materials that are easy to keep clean. Desks with built-in storage can help keep your workspace clutter-free, and chairs that take up less floor space but support your back are essential.

Lighting is another crucial aspect, as you’ll work in the dark for most of the day and night. Opt for lights that are easy on your eyes and don’t produce harsh glare. Outdoor lighting can also set a relaxing mood, with options like string lights that offer a whimsical ambience.

A beautiful view can inspire you to focus and be productive, so design your backyard office with a scenic vista in mind. Plants and trees make great choices, and a water feature or fountain can help create an inviting backdrop for your remote work.

Invest in Lighting

While a backyard home office might be a fun and refreshing change of scenery, investing in furniture and lighting for your outdoor workspace is essential. This is especially true for those who prefer to work at night, as working outside can strain your eyesight without the proper lighting.

A well-lit workspace is also essential for staying focused and productive. It can help reduce eye strain and fatigue and keep your computer from overheating. Proper lighting can also make your space feel inviting and aesthetically pleasing. It can also highlight specific features of your yard, such as a stately tree or a stunning fountain.

Lastly, consider investing in a lighting system that can automatically turn on and off at certain times. This can provide a more predictable and productive workflow and give your yard a more finished look.

In addition to ensuring your workspace is appropriately illuminated, you can add even more comfort and functionality to your backyard office with dual-purpose furniture and accent decor. Look for chairs and desks that are ergonomically designed to promote good posture, and consider adding a few accent pieces of decor that express your personality and aesthetic preferences. Finally, you’ll want to consider ways to minimize distractions in your workspace, such as noise-cancelling headphones or soothing background music.

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Think About Privacy

If you are lucky enough to have a backyard, turning it into a workspace can improve your work-life balance. Easing the hustle and bustle of the household and sitting in the sunlight will give you an energy boost while also giving your eyes a break from the strain of looking at screens all day.

When choosing the location of your outdoor home office, remember who else will be using it. If kids or pets will be using it, you’ll need to factor in sturdy and comfortable furniture for them. If you’re meeting clients there, consider also adding seating and tables for them.

Finally, it’s important to consider whether you will have any privacy concerns with working outdoors. If people living in nearby homes can see you or hear your conversations, this may affect your productivity. You might want to consider installing a privacy fence or investing in a soundproof office pod to reduce the noise of neighbouring traffic or loud neighbours.

If you’re not ready to invest in a permanent setup, a patio table and chairs are a simple and affordable way to turn your backyard into an outdoor workspace. Add a durable paver, such as Adbri’s Euro Stone 400×400, to create a solid space that defines the area and separates it from the rest of the garden.

Get a Wi-Fi Extender

A Wi-Fi extender is a device that piggybacks onto your existing wireless device to increase its range. This is particularly useful for outdoor home offices that may be far from your main home or shielded by thick walls or other obstacles.

A mesh router system is another great option for improving your outdoor office’s connectivity. It can also work as a backup to ensure you’re connected in case your primary home network fails. These systems are typically a bit more expensive than traditional standalone routers, but they offer a much better solution for outdoor working spaces.

If you’re ready to try out a unique, inspiring remote work environment, then it’s time to consider outdoor home offices. These workspaces not only allow you to take advantage of the beauty of the outdoors, but they can also provide various health benefits, like increased productivity and improved mood. To get started, find a remote job that fits your lifestyle and start putting these outdoor office ideas into action. Sign up for a Virtual Vocations membership today to discover a world of remote opportunities that can help you live the life you love. You never know; your following significant career change could be just a few clicks away!