In an effort to curb their carbon emissions, century-old Tokyo-based company, Kokuyo, has set up an outdoor rooftop garden office enabling their workers to spend one third of their work time outside.
The garden office, which has lowered Kokuyo's power consumption by 28 percent, has been fitted out with electrical outlets and wireless connections amidst the trees, man-made pond and movable solar panels, which block direct sunlight on the workers.
Implications - The company's president, Akihiro Kuroda thought that the outdoor workspace would not only benefit the environment, but help to motivate his workers. He hopes that other employers will follow his lead and create outdoor offices of their own. Working outside on a nice day would certainly brighten the mood of many.
Outdoor Offices
Working Outside to Cut Carbon Emissions
Trend Themes
1. Outdoor Workspaces - Creating outdoor offices to reduce carbon emissions and increase employee motivation.
2. Green Technologies - Implementing movable solar panels and other green technologies in outdoor workspaces.
3. Work-life Balance - Promoting work-life balance by allowing employees to spend one third of their work time outside.
Industry Implications
1. Office Furniture - Providing furniture and equipment suitable for outdoor workspaces.
2. Renewable Energy - Developing and implementing solar panels and other renewable energy solutions for outdoor offices.
3. Employee Wellness - Creating programs and services to support employee well-being in outdoor workspaces.