Top tips: How to effectively work outside

woman working in the park
Image provided by Shutterstock

Continuing to stay productive in this very hot weather can be hard and sitting in a stifling hot office all day can make people feel tired and lethargic.

I am a strong believer that if possible, people should think about working outside in the shade, or from home during these extreme weather conditions. I find I have a happier workforce if people are allowed to be outside enjoying the nice weather whilst also getting their work done and consequently they are more productive. Working away from the office can also encourage creativity and free thinking.

So, how can you work effectively from outside?

Have a plan

Before leaving the office, it is important that you know exactly what you need to achieve by the end of the day so you know what to take with you and to make sure you stay productive. Write a to do list and make sure you stick to it. If needed, this can also be agreed with your line manager before leaving the office so that everyone is clear on your objectives.

Find a good spot

Working in the direct sun light is very hard due to not being able to see the screen and also due to the heat. Try and find a good quiet spot in the shade. In the park this can be under a tree or on a bench. It is nice to be near other people so you don’t feel isolated but you also want it to be relatively quiet so you don’t get distracted by others conversations.

Create a workspace

Make sure you are comfortable and have everything you need with you before you get down to work. Remember to check that your laptop or any other devices have another battery to get you through the day and remember to bring some water and snacks with you so you have got everything you need.

Stay connected and communicate

Advancements in technology mean that we now have the ability to communicate and work effectively from out of the office. I like knowing that I can get in touch with my staff whenever I need them and I trust them to get on with the task at hand when working from outside the office.

The use of quick conference calls and iMeet provided by Powwownow can be frequently used to catch up with remote staff to prevent people feeling isolated.

Think about internet connection

Depending on where you choose to work, you might not have internet connection. It is therefore important you download anything you need before you leave the office. If you are doing work that does require the internet, you might need to take a Wi-Fi dongle with you, use a phone hotspot or find a café or rooftop that provides Wi-Fi.

Take a break

Just as you would in the office, it’s important to give yourself a moment to relax, refresh your mind and give you the time to enjoy the benefits of working outside. Working from outside of the office should not turn into a bigger task than it has to be. Go and get a nice lunch or go for a walk as you would when popping out to get lunch from the office, don’t just sit staring at the computer all day.

Be clear with your manager regarding targets

Before leaving the office make sure your manager as well as the rest of the team are clear on your targets for the day so there can be no confusion. Should these change, make sure you inform everyone.

Leave on time

Working from outside the office should not become a burden. When it’s time to finish work and you have done all the things you need to do, then you should stop working. It’s important to know when to finish for the day and maintain a good work-life balance. Just make sure you have achieved your goals that you set out to achieve.

Jacqui BeelAbout the author

Jacqui Beel is Head of Content Marketing at Powwownow and has been the key driver in delivering the strategic and commercially focused content and social media marketing strategy for the last four years. With a wealth of digital marketing experience spanning ten years, Jacqui has experience working in both B2B and B2C marketing channels. Jacqui is extremely passionate regarding gender equality in the workplace and is a huge advocate of more action being needed to address this in the UK, in order to benefit both employers and employees.

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