The long-term mental health of employees and workplace satisfaction are taking precedence over working through lunch breaks.

Employers are seeing the writing on the wall and actively encouraging employees to take frequent breaks throughout the day. This is proving to be a successful strategy. According to The New York Times, studies have shown that encouraging regular breaks helps employees to be more creative and productive. As a result, reducing exhaustion and stress.

Employees taking breaks when stressed can also help improve long-term health. In addition to emotional struggles, excessive stress can lead to several physical health problems.

It’s no question that taking breaks is beneficial. Even more beneficial are those employees who are able to take breaks outside, which amplifies the positive effects.

According to Harvard Medical School, spending time outside provides numerous health benefits. The Vitamin D one gets from sunlight can help prevent heart conditions, cancer, depression, and other health issues. Sunlight also makes people more happy. More happiness equals increased productivity.

Studies have linked time spent outdoors to improved concentration, better short-term memory and reduced brain fog. Getting outside for lunch could lead to better output afterward – helping employees kick the afternoon slump to the wayside.

A simple way to motivate employees to get out more is by providing a functional yet inviting space outside your business.

Creating more outdoor seating for employees while enhancing the look of your business’ exterior is a great start. Having ample seating available can encourage workers to take their lunch breaks outside, energizing themselves for a productive afternoon. A touch of greenery also goes a long way to help boost the appearance of your outdoor seating area, while creating a peaceful environment for employees to enjoy.

Perhaps most important, keep outdoor spaces clean by giving employees a convenient way to dispose of trash from their lunch. Placing waste and recycling receptacles around outdoor seating areas makes a statement to employees that you care about the environment and their wellbeing.

Adding site furnishings like benches, waste receptacles and planters can liven up and improve the appearance of any outdoor space.

For more information on outdoor site furnishings from Commercial Zone, visit www.commercialzone.com or call 1-800-782-7273.