How to Design a WFH Office in Your Balcony or Garden

Whether you work from home full-time or just a few days a week, having an outdoor or semi-outdoor space where you can work and take calls is a great idea. If correctly set up, an outdoor space such as a garden office or balcony office provides a tranquil space that is both refreshing and highly productive. This article will show you four different ways to design your outdoor workspace, whether you prefer working from a balcony or a garden.

Think About An Enclosure 

Most balconies and gardens are open to the sky. If you want to create a work-from-home office in your garden or balcony, you should create an enclosure or a cover-up around it. This way, you can shield your outdoor home office setup from direct sunlight and rain. Consider covering the open side of your balcony or terrace to create a space you can work in all year. However, keep the door open to allow for natural ventilation. 

Consider Light and Glare

One of the most challenging aspects of working outside is the glare from your screen caused by sunlight. This glare can cause a simple colour washout or even a full mirror effect. Regardless of the type of glare you encounter, it can be extremely difficult, especially if you have deadlines to meet. To curb the screen, ensure proper visual ergonomics and soften harsh sunlight while working on a balcony, you can consider adding blinds, shades or curtains.

If you’re someone who loves to work from your garden, we have a DIY idea for you and all you need is a cardboard box. Place the cardboard box on one of its sides, with the opening facing you. Now, keep your laptop inside and get to work! However, bear in mind that sunlight can quickly overheat the laptop. To avoid overheating, you can add ventilation holes to the box and monitor your laptop’s temperature occasionally. Additionally, you can also get a screen filter to reduce glare on the screen while you work.

Install a Plug Point

Nothing derails a good work day like a laptop that switches off because of low power. Ensure you have enough plug points installed on your balcony to avoid this. Install these about 12 inches from the floor, right next to your office work desk. If you have a plug point in your balcony that is not close to your desk, use an extended power adaptor to plug in your laptop and other equipment. For your garden office, consider powering up your garden by investing in an outdoor power socket that is weather and dust-proof.

Use the Right Furniture

No matter where you work from, choosing ergonomic office furniture is key. Ergonomic furniture allows you to work comfortably throughout the day by encouraging good posture. For outdoor spaces like balconies and gardens, select weather-proof furniture, such as resin or teak. You can also invest in a compact office table and a cushion to work comfortably. To keep your laptop from overheating, you can also add accessories such as a laptop riser with a cooling vent and a desktop fan for yourself. 

Employees spend a significant chunk of their working lives in the office, which can be highly stressful. Therefore, businesses need to provide them with relaxed corners at work where they can unwind and take a breather when the day starts to get on top of them. 

There are many ways to bring peace, calm and quiet into your office, and this does not have to be expensive. Here are four tips for creating a relaxed corner in the office for better productivity and calm.