A meeting room is simply a room set aside and designated for meetings. It’s that simple. However, these days, the meeting room may also double as a place to hold lunch, training sessions, client meetings, brainstorming sessions, and strategy sessions.
When designing meeting rooms, it’s important to consider factors influencing collaboration and productivity. By carefully selecting the right layout and style, you can create flexible, efficient spaces that suit various meetings and work styles.
Your meeting room environment is the backdrop for your meetings. Everything from light and seating to the room’s layout can affect mood and productivity. When creating a meeting space, what does it take to make a room pleasant and work-friendly?
You need to consider the furniture in your meeting room. If your room is going to be used in different ways, then you need to keep the furniture simple and flexible. This way, you can arrange the room in one of the different layouts.
Instead of one long table, consider using 2-3 (or more if needed) shorter tables. The shorter tables can be stacked together to form one long table, or placed in different positions, depending on the layout style you choose. This makes your space more flexible and usable. Look for tables that fold up easily and are easy to move. You may also want to place a sofa or two in the room, along with a coffee table or end tables. This gives the room a welcoming, casual feel and additional seating if needed.
When it comes to equipment, consider again how your space will be used. You may need equipment for virtual meetings, screens for presentations, access to a printer, and more. And don’t forget that you need to provide good Internet connectivity in your conference room. This is a must.
As you can see, a meeting or conference room is a multi-purpose space—from traditional meetings to space used for eating, brainstorming, and more. Remember that your employees need a comfortable and ergonomic space to help them stay focused and energized. Remember to keep the space tidy and avoid using the conference room as a storage closet. You’ll soon find that your meetings are not boring, but full of energy and a way to make your business successful.
–sh