Green Desking: How to bring telecommuting on your terrace?

Winter is gradually giving way to spring. Gone are the days when you had to telework from home. With the snow has melted and the temperature rising, it becomes possible to do what is called Green Desking. In other words, you bring the work that was traditionally done indoors, in a partitioned space, outside. Numerous studies show that our brain needs to be stimulated as much by our environment as socially to reach its full potential. In this article, we are suggesting eight tips to help you set up your deck for teleworking. You can then invite a friend to combine socialization and work in the comfort of your balcony.

Design your outdoor space for work in 8 steps. 

1. Set up a budget and a layout plan;
2. Integrate greenery on the terrace;
3. Give priority to comfort and ergonomics;
4. Illuminate to work better;
5. Keep space to stay hydrated;
6. Shade to protect your skin;
7. Don’t forget to install appropriate flooring;
8. Invest in your privacy.

How to arrange your terrace for teleworking?  

1. Prepare a plan and a budget. 

There’s nothing better than having a lovely space to work in that allows you to enjoy the sunshine while advancing your projects. It is important to set up a budget as well as a rough layout plan. Suppose it is fun to work on your balcony. In that case, you should consider how to place your garden table and outdoor chair near an electrical outlet. Like you, your laptop needs power throughout the day to function. For couples, think about setting up two workspaces where each can work without disturbing the other. Before shopping for your garden furniture online, an organization is essential.

2. Add greenery to your terrace.

You don’t need to rent yourself a cottage to make a change. By integrating greenery on your balcony, it will be possible to enjoy the plants’ benefits arranged around you. According to Alan Logan’s study, Your Brain on Nature, the simple act of viewing images of vegetation stimulates the parts of the brain related to empathy and emotional stability. Also, environments where greenery abounds provide a relaxing atmosphere that requires less concentration.

If you don’t have a green thumb and frequently forget to water your plants, we suggest choosing Lechuza brand self-watering pots. They will decorate your balcony as well as your living space. Thanks to its water tank and its filling tube that makes fertilization easier, you will be able to see your plants grow without having to take care of them too much.

For smaller balconies, we recommend the Greenbo balustrade pots. They are easy to install on your balcony railing and are wind resistant, thanks to their patented mechanism.

3. Prioritize comfort above all

The ergonomic rules that apply in the office also apply on the terrace. Put your comfort first and foremost. If you have to spend several hours sitting down, you might as well do so in comfort. We suggest that you go ahead with the Lafuma brand zero gravity chair. With its removable headrest and its “zero gravity” position, you will be in an excellent vantage point to let your creativity flow. As it is foldable, it is suitable for owners of large terraces as well as small balconies. With its low weight, which makes it easy to handle, you can rearrange your terrace’s layout at any time without having to move your garden furniture.

The ergonomic rules that apply in the office also apply on the terrace. Put your comfort first and foremost. If you have to spend several hours sitting down, you might as well do so in comfort. We suggest that you go ahead with the Lafuma brand zero gravity chair. With its removable headrest and its “zero gravity” position, you will be in an excellent vantage point to let your creativity flow. As it is foldable, it is suitable for owners of large terraces as well as small balconies. With its low weight, which makes it easy to handle, you can rearrange your terrace’s layout at any time without having to move your garden furniture.

4. Don’t neglect the lighting. 

Longer work days do happen. That’s why it’s important to have lighting on your deck. We recommend that you invest in the Moon suspended luminaire, which, in addition to giving added flair to your outdoor space, is a product made of recycled plastic and manufactured in Quebec by Twist. Simple to install, the outdoor luminaire can even stay outside in the winter.

You can go ahead with the Luci brand inflatable solar lights that will give you up to 50 hours of autonomy for smaller spaces. They can also recharge your cell phone thanks to their bidirectional USB port.

5. A small coffee table for refreshments. 

It can be very easy to forget to hydrate when you’re teleworking. We suggest you have a small coffee table where you can put a glass of water and a few bites. The Plat-O table from Fatboy will be your favorite companion. Thanks to its easily detachable top, you can bring your snacks from the kitchen to the balcony without any difficulty. It will bring cachet on your balcony as well as in your living space.

6. Protect your skin with parasols.

When you go to the beach, you always take the time to apply a little sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun? Don’t forget to invest in shade solutions. Working outdoors shouldn’t be synonymous with sunburn. Suppose for large terraces; retractable awnings remain an excellent solution for balconies. In that case, we suggest you go ahead with Treasure Garden brand balcony umbrellas. Solid and durable garden umbrellas will not break due to rust and will not fade due to UV rays.

7. Design your floor for the comfort of your feet.

Do you know which space is most often forgotten? The floor! Why not add an outdoor mat that will keep your feet warm, even on cooler days? If your deck floor is made of wood, be sure to choose a breathable outdoor carpet; otherwise, you risk rotting the wood.

8. Don’t compromise on privacy.

It’s always nice to be able to enjoy your deck without feeling like you’re being watched by prying eyes in the neighborhood. Investing in privacy will serve you as much during your working days outside as when you invite guests for a drink or two. For owners of small balconies, we suggest you go ahead.

If you need help cleaning your deck’s wood floor, we have prepared a complete plan here!

Find all the garden furniture for your balcony at Le Balconier!  

As of 2013, the Balconier’s mission is to reinvent the art of living in the city. While the pandemic has led thousands of people in Montreal and all across Quebec to adopt teleworking, it is important to be comfortable doing so. The article suggested eight tips to consider when rethinking teleworking on the patio. If you need garden furniture for your patio, we invite you, right now, to discover our large selection of furniture.