Working al fresco: How to create your outdoor office this summer

As warmer weather sweeps in, more brits are looking to take their work outside. Whilst working outdoors not only gives your brain a boost, increasing focus and productivity but also has health benefits- and of course, helps you top up that tan!

So, if you’re getting bored of your makeshift home office and find your eyes wandering to the window, now is the time to add a touch of nature to your WFH set up. 

As the Met Office is predicting glorious sun and a mini-heatwave this July, the design team at Essential Living has pulled together their top tips and tricks for working al desko. 

Set the space 

One of the biggest challenges when working from home is separating your work and home zones. Ensuring you have different areas for getting work done and unwinding is incredibly important, and this is no different outdoors. 

To get the balance right, pick your spot in the garden or on your balcony, taking noise levels, shade, and the background into account. 

While you might want to open your spreadsheets on a sun lounger or take zoom calls in a paddling pool, sometimes it isn't the best setting for work. However, if you are that person who works with their feet up in a comfy chair, a laptop tray cushion is a handy accessory to have for working and eating remotely. 

Get comfortable

Once you have the location locked down, set yourself up with desk space and a suitable chair. This can be on your garden table but make sure your chair has adequate support, as 70% of brits have reported aches and pains due to their WFH setup. 

Another quick way to change your space is with dividers or plants. Trellis is an affordable and versatile option and can transform parts of your garden into the perfect nook to crack on with work. 

If gardening isn't your forte, a great accessory to have is a laptop sunshade ideal for providing shade over the top of your laptop no matter where you sit!

Prepare for unpredictable British weather

While we all bask in the glorious sun it’s easy to forget the spring surprises that UK weather often has in store. April sunshine can quickly turn to showers or chilly starts so it’s best to be prepared for all climates. 

If the outlook is sunny, you’ll want to make sure you are fully protected from its rays. The first step is always a good SPF, but anti-glare screens for your laptop are a must, along with a sturdy parasol or outdoor umbrella - which can come in handy if the weather takes a sudden turn! 

As the predicted July heatwave draws in soon, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty to keep you hydrated. If you don’t already have a good quality water bottle, now is the time to get one. An insulated bottle will keep your drinks cool but choose one with a screw lid, to protect your tech from any outdoor spills. 

For those frosty mornings, a patio heater can keep you cosy until the sun makes an appearance and serves as a great investment for late-night socialising when work is over. 

Electricity is essential but comes with hazards in outdoor use. It’s always best to consult a professional if you’re looking to create new power outlets outdoors or in garden sheds, but running power from inside your house using an extension cord is also an option. Keep your cables tidy to avoid trips and make sure any extension cords are away from water and fully unwound before powering up. 

Another challenge when working in the great outdoors is noise. You never know when your neighbour fancies mowing their lawn or throwing a BBQ, thankfully noise-cancelling headphones can keep you in the zone without starting a neighbourly dispute. If you are working from a MacBook, Apple AirPods are extremely comfortable and help you tune into zoom calls or listen to music with ease.

Getting connected

If working from home has taught us anything, it’s that no one wants to be that person on a meeting dropping in and out of calls. 

Wi-Fi boosters are a great way to make your signal stretch that little bit further and keep you powering through while enjoying the fresh air. There are plenty of options on the market ranging from £25 - £100+, so something to suit all budgets. Before purchasing, it’s always good to check the reviews to make sure they will be suitable.