Not around a corner in time but in that park just down the street.

Working outside for just 20 minutes a day can help you focus better and boost productivity, as well as being good for your health, research has shown.

To prove the point a group of … hang on. Wait. [Picks up laptop and relocates outdoors]. Sure enough, it’s clearer out here. The breeze, the fresh air, sounds of the world around, and no more flourescent lights. It all feels much more focused.

It’s not just your humble Mercury correspondent who benefits from a shift outside. 

A Melbourne University team found taking “green booster breaks” throughout the working day can give our mind the rest it needs. Researcher Dr Kate Lee said natural views improve attentiveness for fatigued workers.

“We have shown the unique properties of natural views boost concentration to top up energy reserves so tasks feel less effortful,” she said.

“This means employees may feel and perform better at work.”

Conservation group The Nature Conservancy held a “Work With Nature Week” which ended this Sunday but that’s no reason not to incorporate these ideas into your regular work life.

TNC Australia director Rich Gilmore said it’s not hard to hold a “walking meeting” or head to the park to make some phone calls.

“Working outdoors helps us feel healthier, happier and less stressed,” he said.

“And you don’t have to go to Outback Australia or the Great Barrier Reef to be in nature. There are open spaces that provide this benefit within a five-minute walk from Crown St in Wollongong.”

But while many people would agree, they’re not sure if the boss would be so keen.

“One of the challenges we see is that bosses think if the worker is not at their desk then they’re not being productive,” Mr Gilmore said.

“Well, we know the opposite is true. Just sitting at your desk all day decreases productivity, causes losses in concentration – whereas going for a 20-minute walk provides the same boost to concentration as a cup of coffee.”