Jason Petsch, founder and CEO of outdoor maintenance specialists OUTCO addresses how Facilities Managers can leverage outdoor spaces.
This article also features in several industry publications, including BFM and FM Business Daily
The Role of Outdoor Spaces in the Workplace of the Future
The working world has shifted dramatically in recent years, with businesses now grappling with the complexities of return-to-office strategies. While hybrid working models have proven effective in boosting employee satisfaction and productivity, for some organisations a shared workspace remains essential for collaboration and innovation.
However, the modern workplace must evolve. It’s no longer just about desks and meeting rooms—forward-thinking businesses are looking beyond office interiors to explore how outdoor environments can contribute to employee well-being and performance. This is where OUTCO, the UK’s leading outdoor maintenance provider, is helping businesses rethink their external spaces, ensuring they become assets that drive engagement, productivity, and sustainability.
The Business Case for Outdoor Investment
There is a growing body of evidence supporting the role of nature in workplace well-being. Biophilic design—the practice of integrating natural elements into built environments—is gaining traction as organisations realise that outdoor spaces can be more than just an aesthetic feature; they can actively enhance productivity and mental health.
A 2023 study by PLP Architects, Loughborough University, and the University of Reading highlighted the tangible financial benefits of biophilic interventions. Their research found that every £1 invested in biophilic design could generate up to £2.70 in value through improved staff productivity. This builds on earlier findings from the University of Oslo, which indicated that access to nature in the workplace reduces stress and mitigates fatigue during high-focus tasks.
Beyond employee performance, outdoor improvements also have financial and reputational benefits. OUTCO’s expertise in sustainable landscaping and biodiversity enhancement helps businesses meet Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) targets, comply with environmental legislation, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of their properties.
Turning Maintenance into a Strategic Advantage
For many businesses, outdoor maintenance is treated as a necessary overhead rather than a strategic investment. OUTCO is changing that perspective, helping clients view grounds management as an opportunity to improve productivity, sustainability, and long-term cost efficiency.
“Investing in outdoor spaces doesn’t necessarily require major capital expenditure,” explains OUTCO’s landscaping experts. “Often, it’s about taking a smarter approach. For example, replacing high-maintenance lawns with wildflower meadows can reduce upkeep costs while significantly enhancing biodiversity.”
OUTCO provides tailored grounds maintenance solutions that align with a business’s operational and sustainability goals. This includes:
- Planned landscape management to ensure green spaces remain attractive, functional, and welcoming year-round.
- Biodiversity-focused strategies that enhance environmental value while improving site aesthetics.
- Flexible and sustainable maintenance that balances cost control with long-term resilience.
Practical Steps for Businesses Looking to Leverage Outdoor Space
For facilities and property managers considering improvements to their outdoor environments, OUTCO recommends:
- Defining clear objectives – Establish a landscape management plan with short, medium, and long-term goals.
- Balancing investment and sustainability – Identify cost-effective enhancements, such as sustainable planting or habitat creation, that require minimal ongoing maintenance.
- Incorporating vertical greenery – Where external space is limited, living walls and green roofs can deliver many of the same benefits.
- Aligning with environmental and CSR targets – Enhancing biodiversity and introducing sustainable water management solutions can support compliance with Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) regulations.
- Engaging employees – Creating spaces that genuinely benefit staff requires their input. OUTCO encourages organisations to involve employees in the design process to ensure outdoor areas meet their needs.
OUTCO: A Trusted Partner for Workplace Transformation
With over 20 years of experience and a nationwide client base, OUTCO is at the forefront of innovative outdoor maintenance. From enhancing biodiversity to ensuring compliance with UK environmental regulations, the company is helping organisations reimagine their external spaces as strategic assets rather than liabilities.
As businesses refine their return-to-office strategies, those that integrate nature into their work environments stand to gain the most. By partnering with OUTCO, organisations can ensure their outdoor spaces contribute to a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce while supporting long-term sustainability goals.
