Forget remote working or work-from-home policies, the new future of workplace wellbeing revolves around multifunctional outdoor spaces. What that means is, your employees want to get outside!
Employee wellbeing has become a top priority for businesses worldwide. To make sure your workers are healthy, happy, and productive, initiatives to boost both physical and mental wellness must be at the top of the priority list for any business. One of the key ways to create a great work environment is by incorporating more multifunctional outdoor spaces where employees can build connections and take a break within the workplace.
Why are multifunctional outdoor spaces important?
Studies show that a quick 20-minute break outdoors can boost overall well-being and significantly lower stress. But where can your employees take this break?
Not just a place for a quick smoke break or a lunch on the go, outdoor areas are the new go-to that support employee wellbeing, inspire team collaboration, and build that all-important sense of connection. They also become a living reflection of your company’s culture.
Benefits of these types of multifunctional outdoor spaces include:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Increased creativity and focus
- Improved team collaboration
- Increased physical movement, which is great for health
The verdict is in – outdoor break areas are a smart, cost-effective way to benefit both employees and employers.
What are multifunctional outdoor spaces?
If you’re wondering how to create an area for your employees, you should know that a multifunctional outdoor space is more than just a pretty patio. It’s a purpose-built area that can become a space for relaxation, collaboration, celebration, and even productivity. Think of it as an extension of your office, designed to support the physical, emotional, and social needs of your employees.
What types of multifunctional outdoor spaces are there? There is no limit! What about some of these:
- Braai areas for team lunches, client entertainment, or just a space to breathe and reboot
- Shaded seating zones where people can gather for informal meetings or do some solo work away from their desks
- Green spaces full of fresh and vibrant plants, for example, where staff can get mindful and take a mental break
- Outdoor gyms where staff can get the blood pumping, or just a few nice walking paths to encourage a bit of motion and movement
- Event-ready courtyards for launches, workshops, or celebrations – everyone loves a good celebration!
You can decide to use the space you have in any way you choose. Whatever you decide to do with your multifunctional outdoor spaces, the goal is simple – to create a space where your team can destress and decompress, beyond the office walls.
Why multifunctional outdoor spaces matter more than ever
It goes without saying that the workplace has changed, and so has the way people choose to work. Hybrid work, mental health awareness, and a renewed focus on employee experience have shifted priorities completely. Sterile break rooms or uninspiring office layouts are a thing of the past (or they should be), and workers want environments that make them feel comfortable, energised, inspired, and spaces that support their wellbeing.
Multifunctional outdoor spaces give you the opportunity to do just that.
Natural light, fresh air, and greenery are the new normal for your employees, and when these elements are combined with thoughtful design, the result is a space that people will want to be in.
Three key benefits of investing in multifunctional outdoor spaces
1. Boosts employee well-being and retention
We will say it again – beautiful and well-designed multifunctional outdoor spaces can significantly improve employee morale – and productivity. A quiet corner for reflection, a lively braai area for Friday socials, a fresh garden space. Any of these is perfect for reducing anxiety, improving mood, and even lowering blood pressure.
2. Encourages collaboration and connection
Outdoor spaces break down barriers, which means your staff will naturally collaborate more in a space where ideas flow more freely. A courtyard meeting or a team lunch around the braai can spark creativity and strengthen bonds in ways that boardroom meetings simply can’t. When different departments share a common outdoor area, spontaneous conversations and new ideas will spark to life!
3. Make use of those unused spaces
Every business has a space that’s just sitting there, never being used, due to the wrong design and landscaping; these spaces can become high-value places where your employees will thrive. Whether it’s converting a dull courtyard into a vibrant event space or turning a patch of grass into a wellness zone, FSG helps you make the most of every square metre.
Three ideas for perfect multifunctional outdoor spaces
1. Build a braai and social zone for connection
Nothing brings people together quite like a braai that gives your team time to relax, celebrate, and connect outside the formal office setting. We recommend:
- Built-in braai facilities with durable countertops
- Shaded seating for comfort and protection from the elements
- Outdoor prep stations and refrigeration for convenience
2. Blend nature with comfort for well-being
Green spaces are beautiful and therapeutic. Our landscaping experts recommend combining natural elements with soft furnishings to create a calming and functional environment. Think:
- Vertical gardens or creepers on pillars for visual interest
- Trimmed topiaries and pot plants to soften a hardscape
- Comfortable seating under pergolas or shaded canopies
3. Design for flexibility with hardscaping and open layouts
Multifunctional means adaptable. We suggest using hardscaping, such as paved courtyards and modular furniture, to create spaces that serve multiple purposes. You can include:
- Fire pits for winter gatherings
- Water features for ambience and movement
- Defined zones for smokers and non-smokers
Our team will work closely with you to:
- Assess your existing space and identify opportunities
- Design multifunctional layouts tailored to your team’s needs
- Implement landscaping, seating, shading, and amenities
- Maintain your outdoor space to keep it safe, clean, and inviting
Whether you’re a corporate office, a manufacturing site, or a retail hub, we bring the same level of care and creativity to every project. From concept to completion, we’re your go-to partner for outdoor spaces that work.
Ready to reimagine your multifunctional outdoor spaces?
If your outdoor area is still just a patch of grass or a concrete slab, it’s time to think bigger. Our team combines landscaping expertise with a deep understanding of workplace culture to deliver spaces that are functional, beautiful, and built to last.
Contact us today and let us help you turn your outdoor space into a place where work, wellbeing, and connection thrive.
