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A new survey shows that 40% of Brits prefer to relax in the garden rather than scrolling through their phones
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The WFH Brits plan to work in their gardens this summer, and 41% of them will ditch their desks.
Redrow’s premium housebuilder research has revealed that relaxing in your garden is one of the best ways to unwind, particularly for those who work remotely and want to improve their health. Over 2,000 UK adults were surveyed and while watching streaming TV (57%) is still the most popular way to relax, a walk (53%) is not far behind. However, 40% of respondents now prefer relaxing in their garden over scrolling through their phones (39%) or taking a shower (31%). More than a third of Brits (34%) also said that spending time in their garden or gardening is the best way to relieve stress.
Workers switch from coffee to composting
The mandate to return to the office seems to be motivating more people to connect with nature during their days at home. Half of those surveyed who work from home or hybrid roles now use their coffee breaks to get outside or connect with nature. As a matter of fact, 41% plan to work from their gardens once the weather allows, transforming lawns and patios into productive work zones.
Research also shows that gardening has a variety of benefits for workers. 44% said it improved their mental health, and others reported benefits such as boosting mood (43%), a feeling of being more connected to nature (41%) and a sense accomplishment (38%). More than a quarter of Brits (27%) also said that gardening relieves their stress at work.
Top Activities People Do While WFH (Male Vs Female)
- Hanging washing (41% men vs. 63% women)
- Hoovering or Cleaning (39% Males vs. 53% Females)
- 37% of men and 47% of women do bills or admin.
- Watering plants (40% females vs. 41% males)
- Gardening (34% men vs 24% women)
- Move the lawn (27% men vs 13% women)
The Gardening Generation
Millennials are a distinct Garden Generation. Although gardening is a universal love, 41% of women and 60% of men surveyed said they relax regularly in the garden.
Nearly half of 25-34-year-olds (42%) use their garden to relax, compared with 22% of 16-24-year-olds and 27% for 35-54-year-olds. As people progress through their lives, gardening takes on a greater significance. Data shows that people are becoming more appreciative of the simpler pleasures in life. The data shows that many respondents (36%) find watching wildlife in their garden more enjoyable than shopping or eating sweets. Over half of respondents (57%) want to attract more bird species into their garden, but 72 [1]% can’t identify five common UK birds.
Alysha Ali is the Interior Designer at Redrow. She has shared with us her top tips on how to create the perfect outdoor office. Alysha stated that ” Over 2 in 5 ( 41 %) hybrid and home workers plan to work outdoors this summer. It’s clear the garden is the new office. “Creating an outdoor workspace that is both functional and calming doesn’t need a major overhaul. Just a few stylish, smart choices will do.”
Redrow’s Interior Designer Alysha shares her Top Five Tips to create an outdoor space that promotes Wellbeing & Work
- Location Is Key: Choose a location that is protected from the harsh midday sun, but bathed with soft ambient light. This would be ideal under a chic outdoor pergola, retractable canopy, or sheer outdoor curtain. Balance is key: glare free screens, comfortable temperatures, and a seamless flow from your home to the garden studio.
- Style your desk like a professional by mixing comfort and function. A good seat and table can make a huge difference. Invest in furniture that is weather resistant, but also supports good posture. Outdoor cushions can be added for comfort. However, the surface must be stable enough to hold laptops and notepads.
- Prioritise Privacy:Use tall potted plants, planters or trellises to create a natural screening and block out distractions. Greenery can improve concentration and calmness.
- Smart Style for Tech:Incorporate clever storage solutions such as rattan trunks, bench seating or benches with hidden compartments in order to keep your devices secure and surfaces free of clutter. You can maintain a cohesive, polished look by using decorative cable tidy or outdoor-friendly charger stations.
- Incorporate a calming scent like rosemary or lavender to enhance your mood while you work. Lighting such as festoons or solar-powered leds can be used to transition a space from daylight to dusk.
The first time HR News published the article WFH Britons Ditch Coffee Break for Compost Heap.
