Working remotely is an excellent way to save on gas, avoid long commutes, and spend more time at home with pets and loved ones. Many remote jobs also make room for the opportunity to work outdoors, and this summer is the perfect time to try it.
Should I Work Outside This Summer?
Benefits of Working Outside
There are many benefits to working outside, and many directly contribute to a positive work-life balance. We humans are animals, and while these busy modern lives we lead can sometimes make us feel more robotic, it’s important not to forget that we need nature. Soaking up the sun, feeling the breeze, and breathing fresh air is proven to improve anxiety and alleviate stress, making it important to try outside work from time to time. Even if you only spend the morning checking your email on the porch, you’ll find that the outdoors can provide a mood boost and improve your morale as you work the rest of the day.
Not everyone is too keen on the outdoors, but a breath of fresh air, no matter how short, can help to improve your creativity and mood. Vitamin D from sunlight can boost your immune system, too. Studies of office workers have found notable vitamin D deficiencies in a majority of people who primarily work indoors. Working outside can actually benefit your health. While you might worry that the outdoors is too full of distractions for you to get anything done, the opposite is generally true. Our eyes can become strained from focusing too intently on our computer screens, and the ever-changing nature of the outdoors is a welcome distraction for our work-weary eyes. Studies have shown that short-term memory is improved when working outside, so give it a try next time you need to practice for an exam or prepare for an important meeting.
So why is it better to work outside? The sunlight can literally boost your mood, and the fresh air can help to keep you on your toes. When you’re relaxed and free of stress, your productivity improves. Working outside is a great way to take a break from being cooped up inside, even if it is just for a part of your shift.
Preparing Your Outdoor Office
Outside remote work is great, but you do need to do some prep work to make sure things go smoothly when working outside. There are a number of practical and logistical things you’ll need to sort out if you plan to do work outside for an extended period of time. Whether you’re going near or far, you need to make sure you can actually get everything done efficiently and productively.
While working outdoors can boost creativity and productivity, your infrastructure needs to accommodate you. The most important aspect of remote work, indoors or out, is a strong internet connection. Many outdoor spaces are set up for wifi these days, but it’s important to make sure the connection is stable and reliable. If you’re working close to your own home or apartment, you may need to invest in a wifi extender or a mesh network to ensure a quality connection to the web while you work. Mobile technology has come a long way, so using your phone as a 5G wifi hotspot can be a reliable option too, provided your phone’s connection is strong and your data plan allows for high usage. If you’re doing remote work that requires data privacy, you may need to consult with your employer to see if you can work on public networks at parks and outside cafes. Once your internet is settled, make sure you find a solid setup for working. Ergonomics matter outdoors, so ensure that your outdoor chair and table are comfortable for long-term use. Finding a comfortable outdoor setup can be a challenge, and a picnic table isn’t going to cut it for all-day outings.
Summer heat and the sun also pose issues for getting work done outside. How hot is too hot to work outside? For sedentary office work, you don’t need to worry too much about the temperature outside, as long as it’s comfortable for you. There are national standards and recommendations for strenuous outdoor labor, but there’s little guidance on when things are too warm for a spreadsheet session.
In the summer heat, hydration is key, and sun protection is a must as well. Even in shady areas, you should cover your skin and use sunscreen where you can’t. Reapply sunscreen every two to three hours or as directed to ensure you don’t get sunburnt, as sunlight reflects even in the shade.
Keeping your laptop and other equipment safe from heat and sun damage is important, too. Many devices can overheat if not properly ventilated on a hot day, so make sure your computer’s fans are able to vent correctly. Struggling with glare on your laptop screen or phone? Look for glare-proof screen protectors and covers online for your device to help alleviate the issue. There are some days in Nashville where it might just be too hot to spend all day working outside, but many early mornings and evenings are peaceful and cool, making them perfect times to soak up the fresh air and get some work done.
Work Outside at Center 615
Center 615 is the perfect place to work, whether inside or out. A coworking space provides you with the best environment for working outside for a few reasons. At C615, our wifi network is strong indoors and out, meaning you don’t need to worry about your connection when you set up in our sunny courtyard. Working outside at Center 615 is easy and encouraged. Outdoor seating and tables are available, and we’ve got shady spots for when the Nashville sun starts getting too intense.
Working outside is great for your mental health and job performance, so don’t hesitate to schedule a tour with us today. Come catch some rays while working on C615’s gorgeous grounds!
