You've undoubtedly heard the adage "variety is the spice of life." But here's a new and relevant twist: monotony is a productivity killer. Studies have shown that job dissatisfaction may be linked to an inability to see the world outside or to experience significant variety in the office environment.
So whether you're struggling to get your employees engaged with work this summer or you're having a difficult time staying focused yourself, maybe it's time to incorporate a little fresh air into your daily Columbus office routine. If you need more convincing, these five perks are pretty persuasive.
1. Working outside helps jog creativity.
Sometimes we need to physically break away from the status quo if we're going to dream up new ideas and produce creative work. Being out in the natural world can help reinvigorate the senses, especially after being indoors for several hours. Plus, research by the University of Exeter found that plants boost your creativity and productivity. So get out there and look at some flowers!
2. Working outdoors can lead to more exercise.
Were you planning on holding an in-office meeting this afternoon? If so, why not make it a walking meeting instead? It takes your team out of its comfort zone (a catalyst for creativity) and gives everyone the chance to walk off some calories. Win-win.
As you may have heard, prolonged sitting has been linked to weight gain, repetitive stress injuries, and low productivity. By contrast, a little exercise releases endorphins, which reduce stress and boost energy, focus, and output. So if you want higher caliber work out of your employees, a walk outside couldn't hurt.
3. Working in the fresh air makes you happy.
Staring at a computer screen for hours on end can be a stress-inducing endeavor. But if you're staring at a screen outside, at least you're getting some UV rays, which promote serotonin production. In turn, you and your employees will feel happier while you work.
But don't forget the sunscreen.
4. Working outside gives your brain time to reboot.
Sometimes, our best ideas come when we're not obsessing over the problem at hand. According to Psychology Today, the part of your brain that controls reasoning, planning, and decision making makes interesting connections when it's at rest or distracted by another task (e.g., taking in the scenery).
5. Working outdoors may help engage your employees.
Did you know Gallup's “State of the American Workplace” survey found that 70 percent of employees aren't engaged (or are actively disengaged) while they're at work? There are a lot of theories behind what causes disengagement, but it's probably safe to assume monotony doesn't help.
Break your employees out of a work rut by letting them enjoy a little sunshine, and see how it goes. What do you have to lose?
A Clean Columbus Office: The Unsung Productivity Boost
If you're looking for other out-of-the-box ways to bolster employee happiness and productivity, check out the post "How a Clean Workspace Boosts Productivity."
And when you're ready to put what you've learned into practice, book a Columbus office cleaning consultation with us, and we'll develop a custom cleaning program that fits your needs and budget.