A New Courtyard Is Just What Your Business’ Landscape Design Is Missing in the Novi, MI, Area
Ways of working keep changing, and businesses are looking for opportunities to keep their employees close to the office—a more functional outdoor space could be the solution for your business in the Novi, MI, area. Here are some ideas for the unused spaces in your commercial landscape and how to put them to good use.
Benefits of Commercial Space Courtyards
Transforming unused commercial spaces into courtyards and patios can have a beneficial effect on worker performance and business transactions. Many commercial space managers have taken a narrow strip between buildings and other areas where nothing exists and worked with a commercial landscape team to transform it into a more active outdoor space.
While you might be tempted to think these areas could result in less work getting done, keep in mind that spending time in the fresh air can actually lower stress levels and inspire creativity.
Decreased anxiety and stress levels: Science has long supported utilizing outdoor space as a work haven. Employees can be more hopeful and pleasant when they can get outside in the sunshine and fresh air.
Increased morale and patience: People say they feel better and more patient with others when they can have a break in the pleasant weather. Even taking a laptop to a common area like a courtyard can improve productivity and cooperation among employees. This opportunity to have a break can be a mood-shifter.
Better work attendance: For people who are more inclined to head outside when there is a landscaped area where they can continue working, this can lead to fewer missed days of work and improved morale.
Courtyard Characteristics
As you work with landscape professionals to choose the elements of a courtyard, here are some features to consider. Patio pavers would give you a durable foundation for employee breaks and require very little maintenance; some pavers are specifically made to be stain resistant. You could choose a color-fast patio paver to customize this outdoor area.
For increased seating and a secluded feel, consider a retaining wall to the courtyard space. This added seating and division of space can create small rooms within the courtyard to increase functionality. Perching on a retaining wall for a quick break can be good for the mental health of guests and employees, while some supervisors may want to sit there for casual, impromptu meetings with their workers.
If you think the courtyard will primarily be used to enjoy lunch outdoors, you could consider an area for holding a trash receptacle and perhaps a place to fill up water bottles. Outdoor tables with chairs can complete the setting for outdoor business meetings or casual dining.
Consider having a water feature like a bubbling oversized flower pot or a custom water spout mounted on a wall for some soothing sounds that only spilling water can provide. A central fountain can function as a focal feature and a spot for someone to sit for a few minutes to regroup on a hectic day.
Your landscape professionals can soften the entire landscape design with vibrant, green plants, ornamental trees, and evergreen shrubs. When some spaces are separated by horizontal wood slat walls, this can be the ideal spot for climbing vines and roses that bring a lovely fragrance and blooming color to the courtyard area.
Related: Enhance Your Brighton, MI, Business Image With a New Landscape Design