More remote workers than ever are transforming their garden rooms into their ideal office space. With a little patience and some creative flair, you can ditch the kitchen table in favour of a dedicated office environment, all without the commute.
Here at Garden Office Buildings, we specialise in contemporary garden rooms that are perfect for turning into office spaces. Below, we’ve compiled some of the top reasons why remote workers are transforming their garden rooms into spaces for work, as well as some creative garden office ideas to get you thinking about the endless ways you can customise your new space to your needs.
Why should you turn your garden room into an office space?
A dedicated office environment, separate from your house, has many fantastic benefits for those working from home. Some of our favourite reasons include:
- A space to focus
A recent study from the HRDI journal found that one of the primary conditions for success as a remote worker is to have “adequate workspace at home” that is “free from distraction and noise.” While the level of distraction can vary from household to household, having a dedicated space away from the main building of your home grants you the space to really focus on your work.
Free from distractions such as the television, chores, and other members of your household, you will find it much easier to focus on the task at hand. At the same time, you are seconds away from your home should an emergency arise.
- Customise to your needs
While you may share other rooms of your household with members of your family, a dedicated office workspace can be for you alone. You can customise the workspace entirely to your needs, from the furnishings to the layout of the room.
- Create work-life separation
One of the biggest complaints among remote workers is that they feel like they are ‘always logged on’ at home. It’s easy to feel guilty for not working when you are taking a break. Having a dedicated space for work means that once the workday is done, you can shut the door on it and consider yourself finished for the day. Reducing the stress of always having work on your mind means that you can enjoy more quality time with the ones that you love.
Thinking about a garden room office? Here are three key points to consider:
- Prioritise a steady and stable internet connection
Internet connectivity is crucial when working from home, allowing you to perform the majority of your work. A strong and stable internet connection not only helps you to be more productive, but is a necessity if you are frequently taking video calls.
There are several methods available for connecting your garden room to the internet, with one of the most popular being to run an ethernet cable from your house to your garden room. If you are unsure about how to proceed, we recommend getting in contact with a certified electrician, who will be able to assist you further.
- Heating & natural light
Another important aspect to consider when utilising your garden room as an office space is heating. A form of heating will allow you to work through the entire year, as outside temperatures fluctuate.
At the same time, the absence of enough natural light forces you to use artificial lighting, increasing energy costs. Researchers have found that exposure to natural light while working can reduce eyestrain, blurred vision, and headaches, which can ultimately lead to decreased fatigue.
Our standardised catalogue of contemporary-designed garden rooms offer plenty of natural light and are insulated for year-round use, making them ideal for use as a garden office.
- Keep your office clutter-free
A cluttered workspace can decrease your productivity and can negatively affect your mental health.
Establishing a workspace separate from your main house can help you to monitor what you bring into your office environment, as long as you remain mindful not to let clutter slowly build up. A modern, minimalistic office can help to prevent the growth of clutter and promote a positive working environment.
Useful Garden Office Interior Ideas
One of the most important areas to focus on when designing your ideal garden office is your desk and chair. As this is where you will be spending the majority of your time here, you want to choose an ergonomic chair with a desk that is at the right height for you. There are many different types of desks to choose from as well, with standing desks growing in popularity.
Depending on the number of electronic devices you require, such as freestanding lamps, laptops, and mobile phone chargers, an extension cable routed to your desk can help you avoid needing to get up to plug in.
Ensure you have enough storage for any documents and cables that you may need. This is another way to declutter your working area, creating a space that helps you stay focused and productive.
Consider creating a small area to relax and take short breaks. It’s extremely important you give yourself regular breaks as you work to avoid burnout and fatigue – creating a comfortable area for you to relax can help a lot.
Your ideal garden office space
Garden offices are a sought-after alternative to working from your living room or kitchen, providing a dedicated space to focus while helping to establish a clear distinction between work and home life.
If you’re in need of extra space, you are welcome to browse our selection of standardised, contemporary garden rooms. We also offer bespoke garden rooms tailored to your individual needs. Call us today on 01689 818 400 or get in touch via email at info@gardenofficebuildings.co.uk to learn more.