Outdoor Seating ideas for the Workplace

Want to spruce up the workplace? Why not try adding some outdoor seating?

Many of us have been renovating and reviving our outside spaces and gardens during the pandemic. Why should the workplace be any different? If you are looking for a way of incorporating more fresh air into the working day, why not add some outdoor seating to your workplace and create an outside oasis of calm for everyone to enjoy.

Why use outdoor seating?

We’ve all been spending more time outdoors recently. As being in the outside is one way of keeping safe from the spread of Covid, we predict that having some alfresco space with outdoor seating will be more important when we return to the office. It’s not just for helping to prevent the spread of Covid. Being outside is essential for your overall wellbeing. Exposure to Vitamin D provides several health benefits, increasing serotonin levels – the hormone that stabilises our feeling of wellbeing. Plus, during the working day, a change of scenery during breaktime will really help boost productivity levels which makes for a more successful workplace. Outdoor seating may not be suitable for every workplace, but if you do have some outdoor space or perhaps some redundant car park spaces, it would be ideal to use as extra breakout space.

What can outdoor seating be used for?

• Outdoor informal meetings
• Catching up with colleagues
• Break times
• Lunch times

Not just for the Summer

Even during the winter, you can make the most of outdoor seating. Although not for wet and windy days, but when the sun is out, wrap up warm and grab a coffee and a blanket and make the most of the fresh air and winter rays.

What type of outdoor seating should I choose?

Benches

If you are short on outside space, adding a few benches to the front or rear of your office is the ideal space-saving option.

Stylish Rattan Effect

If you want to create a more sophisticated outdoor area, opt for stylish grey or anthracite outdoor furniture with a rattan effect.

Durable Aluminium

For an urban look, durable black metal framed aluminium table and chair sets are versatile and suitable for any outdoor area.

Polypropylene canteen chairs and tables

Weather resistant and practical, plastic polypropylene chairs and tables are a great choice for outdoor seating. They are stackable so easy to store and durable to withstand the elements.

High Stools

For casual seating for short breaks or lunches why not add some bright and colourful high stools to create a bistro style environment that’s practical and comfortable.

Don’t forget the finishing touches

For an aesthetically pleasing outdoor space, add some plant pots with easy to care for plants. Hosta or ferns are hardy, and you could add flowers such as perennial geranium, colourful rudbeckia or echinacea to attract bees and butterflies. Plant shrubs, bushes or climbing plants against walls or in pots for an easy maintenance and attractive way of bringing some nature to the workplace.

If you have room, break up the outside space with different surfaces. A lawned area can add vibrant green and contrast to your outside space. Wooden fencing or partitions will also help create divisions for more privacy between outdoor seating. If you haven’t already, look to create covered areas for some protection from the elements!

If you would like more help with your outdoor seating or any other office furniture requirements then please contact our friendly team for guidance.