Why outside spaces are so important for our business centres
During the pandemic, the importance of spending time outdoors, something that was once taken hugely for granted, became glaringly obvious. Now five years later, despite our previous awakening, it is staggering to hear that the average Brit still only spends about 7% of their time outside. This is why we’ve made sure that all of our serviced business centres have easy access to great outside paces, with the aim of improving the mental wellbeing and productivity of small and medium sized businesses across the Southeast.
Why we value our outside spaces
Productivity Benefits
For entrepreneurs and SME business owners, running a successful enterprise often means long hours indoors and intense focus on the core offering. But research now clearly shows that stepping outside is not just a luxury; it’s a productivity strategy.
According to one study, productivity levels increased by 45% when people worked outside even for part of the day.
Mental Health Benefits
The positive impact of outdoor spaces on mental health is well-documented and increasingly recognised in today’s fast-paced work environment. Spending time outside, even briefly, can significantly reduce stress levels, alleviate anxiety, and improve overall mood. According to research highlighted by NHS Charities Together, time outdoors can make you happier, healthier, and more productive at work.
For small and medium-sized business owners, maintaining good mental health is crucial to sustain focus, creativity, and decision-making. Outdoor spaces provide a natural break from screen time and the pressures of work, fostering mental clarity and reducing feelings of burnout. Incorporating access to fresh air and greenery into your workday supports resilience and helps create a healthier workplace culture; benefits that Capital Space is proud to offer across all its serviced business centres.
Physical health improvements
Beyond boosting brainpower, time in nature can improve cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and even enhance physical endurance. An article by Loughborough University states that people who rested in nature before physical exertion performed better and reported lower perceived effort compared to those who had rested in urban environments.
And even if it’s just a short walk outside during a break, it still counts. Experts agree that encouraging employees to get some fresh air boosts morale, focus and overall wellness.
Barriers to spending time outside
Despite the benefits, spending time outdoors during the workday still feels like an indulgence to many. A recent study published in BMC Health Services Research found that people hesitate due to workload pressures, workplace culture, and even feelings of guilt. This is further reiterated by insights from Suston Magazine, which points to deeper-rooted social norms: some employees fear being seen as less committed if they take their laptop outdoors or take a call in a green space.
The Office for National Statistics reports that in March 2023, following the lifting of covid restrictions, the number of people who skipped visiting natural spaces due to being too busy at work or home increased.
However, as outdoor working gains traction, especially across Europe (where 76% of Swiss businesses provide outdoor workspaces), UK businesses are catching on too.
Our green Spaces
At Capital Space, we’re proud to offer flexible, serviced offices across the Southeast, all located in business centres with access to attractive and accessible outdoor areas, so our customers can focus on their business success without compromising their wellbeing.
Waterhouse Business Centre, Chelmsford
A short walk from Central Park and the Marconi Ponds nature reserve, Waterhouse Business Centre is ideally placed for those who value greenery during their workday. Enjoy lunch beside the River Cam or recharge with a coffee in the park café.
Loughton Seedbed Centre, Loughton
Nature lovers working at Loughton Seedbed Centre are a short drive from Epping Forest, offering miles of peaceful woodland trails—perfect for creative problem-solving walks or fresh-air fitness.
Colchester Business and Seedbed Centre, Colchester
Close to High Woods Country Park, this centre gives you access to 370 acres of rolling meadows and tranquil lakes. It’s also close to top cultural venues and family-friendly attractions.
Milton Keynes Business Centre, Milton Keynes
Set in a landscaped environment next to Linford Wood, a 700-year-old forest, and home to The Woodside Café, voted Best Café in Milton Keynes 2022. Nearby Willen Lake offers paddleboarding and walking trails.
Capital Business Centre Croydon, Croydon
Capital Business Centre Croydon is close to Croham Hurst Woods and Addington Hills, ideal for a refreshing lunchtime walk. Enjoy networking opportunities at BOXPARK, just a short trip away.
St George’s Business Park, Sittingbourne
Minutes from Milton Creek Country Park, a wildlife-rich green space with art installations and walking trails. The nearby shopping and leisure area makes this business centre a hub of activity.
Greenway Business Centre, Harlow
Greenway customers enjoy easy access to Harlow Town Park, one of the UK’s largest urban parks with 160 acres of gardens, play areas and peaceful walking routes.
Laurence Industrial Estate, Southend
Close to Chalkwell Beach and Bell Wharf Beach, the Southend centre offers scenic lunch breaks by the sea and opportunities for post-work relaxation.
Churchill Square Business Centre, Kings Hill
Situated near Linear Park, tree-lined bridleways and avenues, Churchill Square Business Centre is perfect for a quick walk or leisurely outdoor lunch at the local Spitfire pub.
Get in the habit of getting out
Even when we know the benefits of spending time outdoors, small obstacles can get in the way of making it a regular habit. The framework for habit formation from James Clear’s Atomic Habits offers a powerful framework to help overcome these barriers by shaping habits around four simple laws:
- Make it Obvious: Create clear visual cues that remind you to go outside. For instance, business owners can put up posters in the office reminding employees to take a step outside.
- Make it Attractive: Pair outdoor time with something you enjoy to boost motivation. You might listen to your favourite playlist or an engaging podcast while walking, many of our customers and even Milton Keynes business centre manager Matt [LINK to DAY IN THE LIFE BLOG] like to take their lunch outside.
- Make it Easy: Making a good habit as clear and easily accessible as possible reduces the effort that goes into having to form said habit. Fortunately, this is where the hard work is done for you, with easy access to green spaces from any of Capital spaces’ flexible, serviced business centres.
- Make it Satisfying: Reinforce the habit by tracking your progress or celebrating your efforts. Use a habit tracker app or simply mark a calendar each day you spend time outside, or celebrate the small wins with others by sharing a photo. You could even tag us, or use the hashtag #CapitalSpaceOutside, as we always love to see customers and non-customers making the most of nature.
Life gets busy but reserving time to be outdoors shouldn’t be an optional extra, it should be a business advantage that helps entrepreneurs and SMEs improve wellbeing, productivity, and creative thinking.
If you’re looking for office space from a provider that wants to support your business success, get in touch.
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