A meeting room plays an important role in business success since it’s a place that fosters teamwork, collaboration, and connection. It’s where employees can exchange information and ideas, but it can also be a place for workshops and training sessions, or meetings with clients and partners. Since more workers have returned to the office, the latest data indicates that there has been a 73 percent increase in demand for meeting rooms as businesses want to keep their employees upbeat and engaged.
Due to the need for human-centered office design, management and designers should work together to create functional, comfortable, and efficient spaces to enhance meetings and improve daily office activities. If your company is in dire need of a meeting room or a conference room refresh, here are some design ideas to create modern collaborative spaces.
Cozy and Relaxed Meeting Rooms to Encourage Conversations
The typical meeting room setup, which consists of a long central table flanked by chairs on either side of it, was the standard for decades. It still works for many businesses today since it’s so conducive for presentations and formal meetings. However, it’s not the type of environment where employees can feel comfortable while having a casual exchange of ideas, nor is it visually appealing or impactful enough for meetings with guests, new clients, and vendors. For these reasons, some businesses are doing away with traditional office design and creating aesthetic spaces that look more like lounges.
One of them is SmarterX, a Texas-based company that has a meeting room affectionately referred to by employees as “the jungle.” Set up in a converted shipping container, the jungle has a comfy couch, plush chairs, and lots of potted plants, making it the perfect place for a one-on-one or a team huddle. Another organization that has amazing meeting rooms is VRBO, an e-commerce and travel company based in Austin. Apart from having travel-themed rooms, VRBO has beautifully-designed meeting rooms filled with wicker chairs, tree stump side tables, and poufs that resemble huge rocks.
For a cozy and aesthetically-pleasing meeting room, think about designing it to reflect a relaxing theme, like nature, Zen, or coastal. Paint it in soothing colors, like neutrals and light blues and greens, then add a custom designed couch to fit the space. Pick a leather couch to add a touch of luxe to the room, then add a few throw pillows with leather or faux leather covers. Add cushioned chairs to create more seating, then place a large, round coffee table right in the center. Don’t forget to add rugs, potted plants, and adjustable lighting to soften up the space and make it look and feel more welcoming.
Open-air Meeting Rooms
We’ve all become more conscious about the importance of nature and proper ventilation, and that’s why many hybrid workers do their tasks on their porches, in cafe patios, and even at the beach. To encourage this practice while saving money at the same time, think about creating open-air meeting rooms at your company’s rooftop or veranda. Install overhead structures to shield employees from the sun, then add tables and comfortable weather-proof chairs. Instead of a projector screen, use an outdoor TV with anti-glare properties for viewing comfort, and see to it that it has a wireless screen mirroring feature to make presentations a breeze.
Foster Positive Emotions in Shared Spaces
No budget for a total renovation? Give your existing meeting room a refresh and focus on changing its vibe to make employees feel happier and more engaged. Some meetings can take hours, and being in a conference room for a long time can make people feel anxious, tired, or bored. To foster positive emotions, see to it that the meeting room has ergonomic furniture to boost productivity and comfort.
Maximize natural light by keeping windows bare, or dress them up in semi-sheer curtains to allow light to filter in. Next, add indoor trees that require little to no maintenance, such as an Areca palm, a Monstera Deliciosa, or a fiddle-leaf fig. You can also create a coffee station inside the room, then pair it with a snack station so that workers can keep their energy levels up during long meetings.
A comfortable and well-equipped meeting room is a must for any business. Consider these tips to create a an effective and aesthetically pleasing space that promotes collaboration and productivity.
