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One of the four forest workstations, Source: City of Lahti

Lahti installs forest workstations to promote working outdoors

Lahti installs forest workstations to promote working outdoors

The 2021 European Green Capital will put an end to stressful, hectic workdays

For many months now, people have been working from the comfort of their homes. With the outbreak of COVID, both employers and employees found that working away from the office has numerous benefits. Taking a case in point, individuals no longer have to waste time commuting to and from work. In other words, they can spend their mornings and evenings being productive, exercising, spending more time with loved ones, etc.

The pandemic also resulted in the closure of gyms and fitness classes. As a result, people resorted to parks, forests, and nature to not only exercise but also let go of stress. Now, the Finnish City of Lahti has found a way to merge these two concepts and allow people to work remotely from the outdoors.

Forest workstations offer peace and quiet

Lahti, the winner of the 2021 European Green Capital title, has set up four “forest workstations”. With their installation, the Finnish city urges residents to take advantage of their flexible work environments and enjoy the calming effects of nature.

Communications Manager Saara Piispanen from the Lahti - European Environment Capital 2021 project described the workstations, noting that they differ greatly from traditional camping tables. Made of durable Finnish spruce, the workstations include a telephone and cup holder, space for a laptop, and a hanger for bags. Thus, they are designed specifically for workers.

Piispanen went further, explaining the idea behind the workstations: “Forests play a major role in building an ecologically sustainable future, but they also offer opportunities for relaxation and calm in the midst of hectic everyday life. In the midst of teleworking, many have found that nature has positive effects on mood.”

For this reason, the European Green Capital 2021 has found a way to combine working with nature. Lahti’s residents can currently make use of four forest workstations. These are located in the Lapakisto Nature Reserve, Lanu Park, Mustankallio Hill, and Radiomäki. What is more, the Finnish city will now let citizens vote and choose a fifth location.  

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