When the weather is nice, it makes staying inside to work much harder. Why don’t you take your typing and “reply all” outside if you’re still enjoying a WFH situation? There are benefits to working from home, and one of them is being able to move your office outside for the summer. Your outdoor office doesn’t need to be extravagant and fancy, it just simply needs to be a space you enjoy working in.
Make The Space Yours
Creating an outdoor workspace that you genuinely want to work in is the first step toward being able to work outside. Find an area of your outdoor space that you can make into your office. Having a designated area will make it feel like your workspace, rather than just moving your things to the patio. Invest in outdoor furniture that will identify the space as an extension of your house instead of drab and dirty pieces that will stifle your creativity. Add plants and other outdoor decor pieces to make it an area that you enjoy being in.
Get Comfy
Having said that, one of the main arguments against working outside is discomfort. You will be more motivated to turn around and return to your work if you don’t have a spot to relax. Include accessories to assist you stay productive, including a side table, tray, and lots of plants to uplift your spirits, along with a comfortable seat to work on.
Alternatively, you could roll your office chair outside and use it at a patio dining table. This might be a better option if you prefer a more ergonomic seat and don’t love the idea of using your laptop while lounging around.
Take Cover
Make sure there is a chance for shade wherever you decide to set up your outside workspace. In addition, your computer screen will become unusable in the strong sunlight, which is the last thing you want when working on a large presentation and baking in the sun. Utilize a patio umbrella, gazebo, or other such outdoor coverings to work under, which not only ensures you can still see your screen, but also protects you from direct sunlight and provides some shady relief from the heat.
If you’re finding you’re still squinting at your screen, consider investing in an anti-glare screen protector for your devices. This will make the screen much clearer and lessen the strain on your eyes.
Boost Your Wifi
In order to make sure that your Zoom calls and brainstorming sessions don’t get interrupted, you might need some assistance from a WiFi booster if you intend to WFH outside on your patio or backyard. Depending on your home’s layout and age, you’ll need to do some tests to see which extender is ideal for you, but adding a booster can speed up your connection and increase your WFH flexibility.
Bring Out The Extension Cords
Keep your devices charged up, or use a small fan, speaker, or whatever else you like to have near while working. An extension cord can be run from inside the home or from an outdoor electrical outlet. A tower power hub is also a good option if you have several things that need to be plugged in. Make sure your cords are rated to be used outside.
Don’t Forget To Take Breaks
It’s simple to lose ourselves in work mode and lose ourselves in front of the computer. Remember to take regular rests and savor the atmosphere of being outside. Stretch your legs, stroll around your workstation, and enjoy the beauty of the natural world.
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