London Park hosts an 'Outdoor Office'...
Getting fresh in St James's Park
On 3 and 4 July workers in the capital will be given the opportunity to ‘branch out’ from their usual ‘9 to 5’ as St James’s Park plays host to an Outdoor Office for two days.
With over 600 garden squares, 148 parks and gardens, 122 heaths, commons and greens, 16 city farms, 8 Royal Parks and 1 historic battlefield (located in Barnet) London is one of the greenest capitals in the world. The Outdoor Office is part of Visit London’s ‘Great Outdoors’ campaign, which aims to inspire people to make the most of London's green spaces and get out and enjoy them this summer.
The Outdoor Office is situated in a beautiful spot in St James’s Park, overlooking the lake just off Birdcage Walk. The unique office will come complete with Wi-Fi, a reception area, boardroom, creative room, work desk area and even a water cooler! Londoners can come down for a meeting, a brainstorm or to hot desk in the great outdoors.
To reserve a room or desk simply log on to www.visitlondon.com/outdooroffice.
Areas can be reserved for up to two hours between the hours of 9.30am and 6pm. A receptionist will be on hand during the Outdoor Office hours to co-ordinate the bookings.
James Bidwell, Visit London's Chief Executive, says: “There are literally hundreds of green spaces in the capital, but Londoners often spend too long in the office to get out and enjoy them. The Outdoor Office enables Londoners to get back to nature during the working day. I am looking forward to having a few meetings in the Outdoor Office myself – St James’s is one of my favourite London parks.”
Working outdoors: Environmental Psychology Fact Sheet
A range of studies have demonstrated the benefits of working outdoors and amongst nature for our mental and physical wellbeing.
Exposure to natural environments has been shown to aid mental restoration, making it easier for us to think clearly, direct attention, gain perspective and also reduce mental fatigue (Muscara & Saegert, 2008).
Working out of doors is particularly beneficial as exposure to fresh air makes people less fatigued and more active. Working in nature has been shown to increase mood, which in turn increases creativity and productivity.
