Sustainable and biodiversity-focused enhancements: Introducing features such as wildflower meadows, which require less maintenance than traditional lawns while boosting biodiversity.
Vertical greenery solutions: Installing living walls or green roofs in areas with limited external space to improve air quality and aesthetics.
Employee engagement: Involving staff in the planning process to ensure outdoor spaces meet their needs, whether through seating areas, quiet zones, or fitness facilities.
By incorporating these elements, organisations can create outdoor environments that serve as extensions of the workplace, fostering collaboration, relaxation, and overall well-being.
Practical steps for facilities managers For those looking to enhance outdoor spaces, the following steps can help guide the process:
1. Define clear objectives: Establish a landscape management plan with short-, medium-, and long- term goals that align with broader organisational strategies.
2. Balance investment and sustainability: Consider cost-effective improvements, such as sustainable planting or habitat creation, that require minimal ongoing maintenance.
3. Think beyond aesthetics: While curb appeal is important, the real value lies in how outdoor spaces contribute to employee engagement, productivity, and environmental compliance.
4. Align with corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals: Enhancing biodiversity and incorporating
sustainable water management solutions can support compliance with biodiversity net gain regulations.
The future of work includes nature The modern workplace is no longer confined to four walls. As businesses seek ways to improve employee well- being and productivity, outdoor spaces are becoming an increasingly valuable component of workplace design. Facilities managers who take a proactive approach to integrating nature into the built environment can help create workplaces that are not only more sustainable but also more engaging and effective.
By viewing outdoor spaces as strategic assets rather than maintenance burdens, organisations can unlock significant benefits—from improved employee well-being to enhanced corporate reputation and long-term cost savings. As research continues to highlight the value of biophilic design, the role of outdoor spaces in the future of work is set to grow, making now the perfect time for facilities managers to rethink how they manage and invest in their external environments.
www.outco.co.uk
www.tomorrowsfm.com
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