Tap into the wellbeing benefits of working outside for #OutdoorOfficeDay
PUBLISHED ON: 12 JUNE 2025Working outside can bring mental and physical health benefits to the people who embrace the natural spaces closest to them.
From reduced stress and improved moods to enhanced creativity and increased energy, people taking their work away from the desk report wide ranging advantages.
Outdoor Office Day 2025 seeks to show that tapping into wellbeing benefits that come from working outside in the fresh air with sunlight and physical activity can be enjoyed by all during the working day.
The #OutdoorOfficeDay movement started in 2019 to encourage workers to embrace city parks and paths, gardens and balconies as places to get work done.
This means trying a walking meeting next time one appears on your calendar, taking your phone calls outside, setting up your laptop in a more natural spot than usual, or taking advantage of another option that works best for you.
Staff from across the New Forest NPA, including the ranger, volunteer, and education teams regularly split their time between the office and being out in the National Park.
Hear from some of them below about how nature connections at work can boost their wellbeing.
New Forest NPA Ranger, Hayden, said:
‘Working outdoors is so beneficial for your mental health and wellbeing. It means you get to see nature, you get to be in nature, and you get to do more for the environment.
‘I’d really recommend that everyone chooses to go outside – whether it’s a walking meeting or just to do something different that you’ve not done before, because it’s really beneficial for you and the environment.
‘I feel very lucky that I get to do what I do and I think that even if you have an indoor job then you can make the most of it by taking your meetings outside.’
New Forest NPA Volunteer and Accessibility Co-ordinator, James, said:
‘Taking 10 minutes out of your working day, or even better, as part of your working day, say hosting a meeting outdoors on a walk, can really re-vitalise you and re-energise you.
‘As part of my role, I get to explore the length and breadth of the National Park. I get to meet all sorts of people, and it’s so much nicer and so much easier to make connections when you’re outside in nature.’
New Forest NPA Education and Youth Officer, Ella, said:
‘It’s so beneficial for people to get outside in their working day because it gives them an opportunity to step away from inside environments to take a breath and just have a moment in the environment to reset.
‘[Working outside] has benefited me hugely. It’s allowed me to mix with other people, to see landscapes and environments that are truly beautiful and a privilege to work in, and it’s allowed me to have a great sense of wellbeing.’
Take your work outside and get involved by:
- Exploring the greenest route to work
- Taking your laptop outside to an ‘outdoor desk’
- Organising a walking meeting
- Making your phone calls while walking outside
- Going for a walk during a coffee or lunch break
Find out more about the seventh international Outdoor Office Day – The 7th international edition of #OutdoorOfficeDay will be held on June 12th 2025 — Outdoor Office Day.
