Garden Offices vs. Home Offices: Which is Better for Wellbeing & Productivity?

As more people adopt remote work, finding the right workspace is crucial to staying productive. Two popular options for those who are lucky enough to have the space are a dedicated garden office or a home office within your house. Both have their benefits. However, it is well known that workplace wellbeing and productivity are intrinsically linked and one of the distinct advantages of a garden office is an increased sense of wellbeing.

But let’s explore more broadly how these two setups compare and why a garden office could be the ideal choice for your remote working needs.

Separation from Home Life

One of the main challenges with a home office is the difficulty in separating work from personal life. When working within your house, it’s easy to get distracted by household chores, family, or even the temptation of the TV.

Conversely, for many, especially business owners, the reverse is true as it can be extremely easy to just answer another email or tick off another job on the to do list, thus allowing work to take precedence over family and social life.

This lack of separation can blur the boundaries between work and relaxation, leading to decreased productivity and burnout.

A custom garden office, on the other hand, provides a physical separation between work and home. Stepping into your garden office can feel like arriving at a proper workplace, helping to create a more focused mindset. This simple change can make all the difference when it comes to staying productive throughout the day, yet not being tempted to slip back into the office during the evening.

Your workspace becomes a haven for concentration, free from the everyday distractions that a home office might invite, and also far easier to shut down the computer and lock the office doors!

Health Benefits of a Garden Office

It is well documented that being in a green space is good for mental wellbeing. And as research continues to evidence, views of nature from a window also provide similar benefits.

Additionally, sitting continually at our desks for several hours each day is bad for our health, but working in a garden office encourages a more balanced lifestyle. Experts recommend that we should take a break from sitting every 30 minutes. With a garden office, you’re more likely to take breaks outside, stretch your legs, and get some fresh air, all of which can boost your energy and concentration.

A home office, on the other hand, might keep you confined indoors for most of the day, leading to a more sedentary lifestyle.

According to Professor Jules Pretty, even a 5-minute dose of nature brings immediate wellbeing. And how much nicer to step out into the garden and have a stretch, or even a few minutes of deadheading, before going back to work!

Customisable Space

Designing your garden office offers complete control over the layout and functionality of the space. You get to decide how big the room is, where the windows and doors go, and even which way it faces in your garden. This level of personalisation allows you to create a workspace that increases your productivity by catering to your preferences and working style.

In contrast, a home office often has to fit into an existing room, which might not be the best space for focused work. You might find yourself in a spare bedroom or corner of the living room, which could limit how you can arrange your setup. A garden office offers the opportunity to design a space solely dedicated to work, making it more efficient and comfortable.

Enhanced Focus and Privacy

A home office can often lack privacy, especially if you live with family or flatmates. Background noise, interruptions, and shared spaces can make it difficult to focus on your work, leading to frustration and reduced efficiency.

A garden office is an entirely separate building, meaning you can enjoy peace and quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of your home. This increased privacy allows for better concentration, especially during video calls or tasks that require deep focus. You can also avoid the risk of having your meetings interrupted by household sounds or unexpected visitors, a common problem when working from a home office.

Increased Property Value

Not only does a garden office provide an excellent workspace, but it can also add value to your property. Potential buyers often look for versatile spaces, and a garden office offers exactly that. Whether it’s used as an office, studio, or additional living space, a well-designed garden room can be a real selling point.

While a home office might offer convenience, it won’t add the same appeal to your property as a garden office could. A garden office provides flexibility and can be used for a range of purposes, making it a valuable addition to any home.

Conclusion

While a home office might seem convenient, a garden office offers numerous benefits that can significantly enhance your productivity and overall work experience. From the separation of work and home life to the customisable design and peaceful environment, the advantages of a garden office are clear.

A garden office provides the ideal solution for anyone looking to improve their remote working setup. By investing in a garden office, you’re not only creating a better workspace for today, but also adding value to your property for the future.