Summertime is here! With the warmer weather, there’s a constant urge to spend more time outside and soak up some Vitamin D. According to Terra Mai, Harvard naturalist Edward O. Wilson proposed the idea that humans have a genetic predisposition to be drawn to nature and to appreciate the natural world. This theory explains the wonderful feeling we experience after taking a walk or witnessing a beautiful summer sunset.
People seek ways to bask in the sunlight by taking walks after work, having lunch outside, being active on weekends, and enjoying a morning coffee on the patio. However, due to corporate careers, the average adult between the ages of 20 and 75 spends nine and a half hours of their day in a sedentary state, with limited fresh air and sunlight. When people work indoors all day, it can feel exhausting, confining, and even counterproductive at times.
So, how can our society give indoor workers the sunlight they require?
The recent emerging desire for outdoor workspaces is transforming and reshaping how we think about where and how we work. If more companies were to implement outdoor workspaces for their in-person employees, it would benefit all parties. A University of Michigan research study found that “memory performance and attention spans improved by 20 percent after people spent an hour interacting with nature” (University of Michigan). Additionally, according to Healthline, exposure to sunlight increases the brain’s release of serotonin, which boosts mood and helps people feel calm and focused (Healthline).
The American Psychological Association states, “Exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders, and even upticks in empathy and cooperation” (APA). If more employees were to work outdoors, their attention spans could significantly increase and allow them to focus on work. Companies that implement outdoor workspaces could benefit from more tasks being completed during the day, and employees would benefit by getting their daily sunlight intake as they perform their daily work tasks.
At Infuse Hospitality, we have a mission to redefine office amenities, transcending conventional norms to craft a realm of unparalleled hospitality that captivates guests and fosters enduring loyalty. We see amenities as transformative features that enrich the fabric of a workplace, elevating it into a vibrant ecosystem of engagement and satisfaction. For example, Accenture Tower in Chicago underwent a significant transformation with new amenities, including unique spots within the building that promote creativity and productivity. Powered by Infuse Hospitality, The Reserve is an exclusive bar and lounge with an outdoor space and a rotating menu of coffee and cocktail favorites. The Reserve brings a landscaped outdoor terrace with fire pits where people can work, with open scenery, fresh air, and natural light helping to clear mental blocks, allowing ideas to flow more freely.
Prospective employees are increasingly drawn to companies prioritizing work-life balance and offering in-office perks such as outdoor workspaces and enticing lunch options. These amenities attract top talent and contribute to a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce.
Organizations can strategically invest in their growth by incorporating outdoor workspaces into their cultures. Infuse Hospitality’s expertise in this area can help companies create the perfect outdoor workspace that aligns with their organizational goals.
If you have a food and beverage project or would like to learn how Infuse Hospitality can create the perfect F&B experience for your organization, please reach out to say hello