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Chat with other users about all things related to working life on our Work forum.

If you WFH, do you sit outside in the summer?

107 replies

Peckhaminn · 27/03/2023 11:40

Just curious, I love being outdoors when it's warm. I've recently taken a role where I WFH permanently and wondered if anyone else sit in the sun whilst they work? Even if they have to do teams meeting etc? Or do you go inside for them.

OP posts:
GreenLeavesRustling · 27/03/2023 11:41

Not to work, I can’t see my computer / laptop screen.
but if I have something to read , or on a break (like now) then yes, I sit in the garden for that.

GiltEdges · 27/03/2023 11:41

Wouldn't be able to see a thing in our garden at the height of summer (south facing), and also much too warm, so I tend to work inside at our dining table rather than in my office, with french doors open into the garden.

HealthyFats · 27/03/2023 11:41

I try to sit outside to read documents but almost always find I can't focus and have to go back inside again. I think doing a meeting from the garden would be pushing it- might depend on your industry though.

RunningFromInsanity · 27/03/2023 11:41

I often sit outside if I can see the screen properly, or if I’m doing paperwork etc.
Meetings with camera on I do inside.
Phone calls- depends on how sensitive the topic is, as potentially my neighbours could overhear.

80s · 27/03/2023 11:42

The sunlight is too bright on the screen, even in the shade. Couldn't get anything done.

ChevreChase · 27/03/2023 11:45

Same as others; I would like to work outside more, but the screen is the issue. But I go outside when I can, to read. This morning, I stood outside in my coat to read an article to get some sunlight (but it was very cold!) I also generally work on the dining table by the patio doors, so opening them up wide when weather allows means I pretty much feel outside.

Unbridezilla · 27/03/2023 11:46

Not for laptop work, I can't see the screen in the sun. And definitely not for teams calls, my neighbours don't want to hear that!

But I do have a work ipad I use for document reviewing, so if that coincides with a sunny hour, then yep! In winter, I often move to tye sofa for the same work. Helps me stop getting distracted by teams/emails.

EspeciallyDedicated · 27/03/2023 11:49

Not really, papers blow about, screen glare and it wouldn't be fair on the neighbours to have to listen to me talking in meetings.

RampantIvy · 27/03/2023 11:49

I would love to, but I wouldn't be able to see my screens, nor do I have an outside table large enough to accommodate my laptop, 2 widescreen monitors, mouse and keyboard. Plus the hassle of setting everything up and taking it down again is not worth it.

pncr · 27/03/2023 11:50

I wouldn't be allowed to unless I was reading a document.

Codlingmoths · 27/03/2023 11:51

Not really because I can’t see my screen and also I have a second screen in my study and work better with the two. I might take some printed reading outside or go out for a team meeting sometimes.

Itstheway · 27/03/2023 11:53

absolutely love the thought of it, but reality is I can’t see a bloody thing and I’m issuing getting attached by wasp/bees and other creepy crawlers

BiliousOhGod · 27/03/2023 11:54

Yep. I have a temporary outside set-up, with an umbrella over the table, so I can see, extension cord to keep the laptop charged, a few spare chairs dotted around so the cat can sit near me in sun/shade and a headset so that I can hear / talk without being overheard (I'm far enough away from neighbours that they can't hear normal volume conversations). It's ace!

RedCarsGoFaster · 27/03/2023 11:56

Not in this role as my laptop screen would be impossible. I do sit out for breakfast and lunch though.

ClaudiaWankleman · 27/03/2023 11:56

I have done for the last couple of years. As long as the wifi signal is strong enough there’s no reason I shouldn’t.

ChocSaltyBalls · 27/03/2023 11:57

Sadly not, as I am on the phone to clients so I can’t risk being overheard.

DrMarciaFieldstone · 27/03/2023 11:58

Calls, yes. But you can’t use a screen outdoors.

MirandaWest · 27/03/2023 11:59

I use multiple screens so wouldn't work for me. I do have lunch outside in the summer though.

mumto2teenagers · 27/03/2023 12:00

I do, have the table set up on the patio near the house so that the wifi is good enough and it's easy to run an extension lead from the kitchen. Headphones for meetings.

It does depend on what I'm doing, if I'm working on a lot of spreadsheets then I will go indoors as have a second screen which I don't have outside.

Tygertiger · 27/03/2023 12:03

No, as the confidential nature of my role would make it inappropriate but I just wanted to flag up that I do occasionally use my laptop in the garden for recreational use and the way to do it is have a large-ish cardboard box on its side on your table - put your laptop in it and it eliminates the glare. You look a bit odd but it works!

EdithWeston · 27/03/2023 12:10

Yes!

I have a table just a few yards from the kitchen door where the wifi still reaches just fine. It's under the shade of a garden umbrella, because I can't see screen well in direct sunlight. It works really well, and it's nice to be outside

RampantIvy · 27/03/2023 12:15

Tygertiger · 27/03/2023 12:03

No, as the confidential nature of my role would make it inappropriate but I just wanted to flag up that I do occasionally use my laptop in the garden for recreational use and the way to do it is have a large-ish cardboard box on its side on your table - put your laptop in it and it eliminates the glare. You look a bit odd but it works!

Genius

AncientQuercus · 27/03/2023 12:24

My neighbour spent a lot of time in the garden on Teams calls last summer. I did not appreciate it and I doubt anyone else in the road did either.

It isn't fair to inflict that on neighbours and I don't suppose her boss would have approved of everyone hearing their business.

Ariela · 27/03/2023 12:26

Not outside as such due to light on screen but if I wfh the odd afternoon here and there and it's warm and sunny, I do open the patio doors wide.